OHIO — Thanksgiving is a day many people associate with family, football, and of course, food. But for millions of people across Ohio, finding that next meal isn’t always a given.
That’s why every year, a group of police officers take some time away from their jobs to help feed the people they serve.
This year, they got some help from some Buckeyes, and while an officer knocking on your door may cause you to skip a heartbeat, for Dominique West and many others, this helps put food on the table on Thanksgiving.
“I’m a single mom, take care of four kids, just trying to work hard. That’s all I do,” West said. “There’s many obstacles I had to overcome, and I just learned how to just pray about it and be strong about it.”
West said she works two jobs to help her family. She has four children and one of the obstacles is often feeding her family.
But because of those Columbus police officers, West’s Thanksgiving table is full of food.
“This is the fifth year that we’ve been out here doing this, and every year, it gets better,” Deputy Chief Tim Myers from the Columbus Police Department said. “It’s easy to be discouraged at times because there’s so much need in the world but everybody can do something.”
As part of the fifth annual Cops and Gobblers event, the officers teamed up with a handful of Ohio state football players.
They delivered turkeys and Thanksgiving sides like stuffing, cranberry sauce and yams.
“I think when God blesses you with an opportunity to come out and do this and just give back and love people — no matter where they come, from no matter what background they come from, I think it’s important,” Carson Hinzman, junior offensive lineman for Ohio State said.
Behind those doors, there are many thankful people who told Spectrum News they appreciate these police officers.
These are more than just free meals for them; West said they bring hope as skipping a meal because you cannot afford it is tough.
“[Hope to] see better days,” West said. “Spend time with family and enjoy the happiness we have.”