Philadelphia Officers Deliver Thanksgiving Meals To Families In Need
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - For the 47th year in a row, Philadelphia police officials boxed up a meal with all the trimmings to be delivered to families in need as part of Operation Thanksgiving.
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Hundreds of boxes filled with frozen turkeys, stuffing, veggies, mashed potatoes and other Thanksgiving meal staples were filled by police volunteers at Philadelphia Police Headquarters.
Commissioner Richard Ross says Operation Thanksgiving is something more and more officers are drawn to getting involved with every year.
"The spirit of giving seems to grow each and every year, and you can tell by the enthusiasm that's out here, how quickly they push these boxes. It's not just because it's chilly, but because they want to be out here," said Ross.
After everything was boxed, officers and police personnel loaded the gifts onto police vehicles and transported them to residents throughout the city.
Officers Lori Jackson and Robert Peachey work in the 6th District. They delivered more than a dozen meals to those in need.
"Around September, we start asking officers to scour their police service area for any families that may need help during the holidays and our officers give us names," Jackson explained.
"To have it offset or even have your whole meal given, it's one less worry that someone has," she continued.
In total, 420 families will receive a turkey and food basket. Officers and police employees raised more than $13,000 to help supply the dinner ingredients.
"It's incredible and they're very grateful and gracious to get the meal," Peachey said.
