By Elliott Robinson
The Petersburg Progress-Index
PETERSBURG, Va. — The basement of the Bureau of Police was a flurry of activity Tuesday morning. Officers rushed in and out with heavy loads and full paper bags but it had nothing to do with a crime.
It was about hoping no city residents go hungry on Thanksgiving Day.
Petersburg Police spent the afternoon distributing 66 turkeys and bags of sides to deserving families.
“There is no better time that the time we have right now with the economy,” said Mayor Annie Mickens, who participated in the distribution. “Thanksgiving is all about making sure all people are able to share in the awesome givings that we have.”
The turkeys and bags consisting of corn bread, green beans, cranberry sauce and corn were donated by Bristow’s Market, Harrison’s Grocery, RMM Enterprise, Save A Lot and other entities in the area, said Police Chief John I. Dixon III.
“With the financial times, we saw this to be important,” Dixon said.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Cassandra Burns, who also participated in the distribution, agreed.
“It is about giving,” she said. “We are each other’s keepers. We love our citizens, we love our city.”
Several families felt the love as police officers and city officials arrived with the turkeys and other ingredients to make the meal.
“Thank you all for everything you done,” a man said after receiving the donation. “It’ll be a wonderful holiday.”
“Thank you all for the blessing of Thanksgiving,” another woman said. “Thank you for taking time out for the needy.”
This was the first year Petersburg Police had this large of an effort for Thanksgiving, Dixon said. He also said this distribution is one of several outreach programs police officers in the city participate in throughout the year.
Copyright 2008 The Progress-Index