While police officers still sadly get a bad rep in much of the mainstream media and popular culture, law enforcement officers around the country continue putting their lives on the line every day while trying to hold back the tide of criminality. Further, many officers do even more to help their communities, with officers in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department working with Three Square, a non-profit, to help feed needy families in the city.
In fact, officers garnered donations to buy Thanksgiving meals for families that needed food for the holiday and couldn’t afford it thanks to the economy and inflation, then those officers took the time to hand out the free meals to the families in need.
Announcing the initiative on Facebook, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Foundation said, “Give the gift of a Thanksgiving meal! Your $85 donation can feed a family of four. Join us in making Las Vegas safer and brighter for all. Donate now by visiting our website: bit.ly/49xK7sE! 🍂🍽️
Explaining the necessity of the donation drive and how much even a relatively small donation can help a family in need in the linked website page, the LVMPD Foundation noted that the current economic environment is hurting families in the city and that under $100 can feed a family for Thanksgiving.
“High gas, rent, and food prices are driving families in Las Vegas to cut their spending as they struggle to make ends meet. People now say their economic situation has worsened and that Thanksgiving and the holiday season will be tough,” the LVMPD Foundation said.
Continuing, it then said, “You can help Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers provide families in need in Southern Nevada with a Thanksgiving meal by donating below today. A donation of $85 feeds a family of four with a complete Thanksgiving meal. The Thanksgiving Meal Initiative aims to help the Foundation strengthen law enforcement’s relationships in the community by providing essentials like food, making Las Vegas safer for all. $85 Feeds 1 Family – $425 Feeds 5 Families – $850 Feeds 10 Families – $1,700 Feeds 20 Families.”
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department posted pictures of its officers handing out the meals on Facebook, captioning the heartwarming photos by saying, “SPECIAL DELIVERY! On Monday, all of our Area Commands received turkeys to deliver to various locations and families throughout the valley! These Thanksgiving kits came complete with EVERYTHING needed to make a delicious meal. Taking the stress out of the holiday meal means families can focus on harmony and being together 💙 Thanks to the LVMPD Foundation and our incredibly generous supporters for making this Thanksgiving meal initiative possible!”
The LVMPD Foundation later added to that post, saying “It’s an honor to support this impactful initiative that helps families who are facing challenges and shows that the police care about the community they protect, and serve. Happy Thanksgiving to our incredible supporters who make it possible. 🦃”
In another post, the LVMPD Foundation said, “As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the blessings of this season, the LVMPD Foundation extends its warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to our incredible community. Your support and generosity are at the heart of what we do, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to serve and give back. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and gratitude🍂🧡”
Justin Vasquez, an officer in the department, noted that he is a law enforcement officer because he wants to help those who need help, and that handing out the meals was providing such help. He said, “I signed up for this job because I wanted to help the community. And this is one way of helping.”
In a Thanksgiving post on Facebook, the department said, “🦃🚓 Thanksgiving Greetings from LVMPD! 🚓🦃 On this day of gratitude, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department extends warm wishes to our incredible community! Our officers, dispatchers, and staff are grateful for the privilege of serving such a resilient and diverse community. Your trust and partnership make our city stronger.”
Featured image credit: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Facebook
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