LOUISVILLE, Ky. —The holiday season is upon us, and Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) officers and other organizations are making sure families in the community have enough to eat this Thanksgiving.
Police officers, Southwest Members of the Metro Council, Local entertainer Dusty Leigh, Shirley’s Way, Southwest and South Louisville Community Ministries, and other organizations are joining together to serve some turkeys.
Police officer Charles Bradley with LMPD tells Spectrum News 1, “People are really out here hurting and this pandemic is real. But the fact to come out here and do something for somebody else means the world to us and to them."
That’s why officer Bradley and officer Isaac Sowell’s are handing out turkeys to make sure families in need have enough to eat this upcoming holiday season.
Officer Bradley says it’s a way for people and officers to see one another under less stressful circumstances.
“When we usually come to houses we’re not coming to a BBQ for somebody to give me a hotdog or a hamburger. The reason we come is because most of the time they’re at a very difficult point in their life and they need somebody to help them work out a situation. So in this case, we’re out here delivering turkeys to bless people for Thanksgiving,” says Bradley,
Those that saw the officers arriving with a turkey were both surprised and thankful.
Casey Waddell is a mother of three and says she can’t afford this holiday staple since losing her job during the pandemic.
“I’m very thankful. I’ve got three kids and now I don’t have to go buy one today,” explains Waddell.
It’s part of a community effort by Councilman David Yates, LMPD, and several organizations working together annually to help out food-insecure families.
“It’s about service to our neighbors in making sure that no one is left behind and you take care of those who can’t take care of themselves,” says Yates.
He says it’s a way to spread some love during the pandemic, which has left thousands of people struggling.
“Thanksgiving is a time where people can rejoice, give thanks, in a world full of uncertainty, a lot of hate, division. We’re here to unite. To look at those that might have as much as others and give them a smile on their face and a really good dinner,” explains Yates,
Even with masks on, the officers and other community leader have accomplished their goals.
“It’s putting a smile on their face and it's also put one on me as well. Letting people know we're not just here to protect them but also serving them in any aspect that we can,” says Officer Bradley.
This is the 4th annual Friendsgiving Turkey Drive giveaway with over 300 turkeys donated.