Bringing Joy and Relief
According to a recent release, the giveaway will commence on Friday, December 20, and will start at 9 a.m. A total of 500 boxes filled with fresh produce and meat from Cusumano & Sons, Inc. will be available. These boxes are a lifeline for many families, providing them with the essential nutrients needed to celebrate the holidays. Interim City Manager and Police Chief Stan Reno emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "This is our way of showing our residents that we care and are here to help."Drive-Through Pickup
Those interested in receiving a food box can simply drive through the west parking lot of City Hall during the event. This convenient method allows residents to quickly and easily obtain a food box for their household. It saves time and ensures that everyone can access the much-needed food.New Delivery Service
This year, the city has introduced a delivery service for those who are unable to come to the pickup location. All food box delivery requests must be submitted no later than Wednesday, December 18, at noon. Deliveries will only be made to Carbondale addresses, ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most. To make a delivery request, residents can email fjohnson@carbondaleil.gov or call (618) 457-3229.The City of Carbondale's food box giveaway is a testament to its community spirit and dedication to helping its residents. It is an initiative that brings hope and relief during the holiday season, and one that is sure to make a positive impact on the lives of many families. With fresh produce and meat available, residents can enjoy a delicious and nutritious holiday meal. This is an opportunity not to be missed, and it shows the true heart of Carbondale."Building Bridges: Cops and Kids Unite for Christmas"
Starting the Day with a Fueled-Up Morning
The event began with a breakfast to give the kids the energy they needed for the shopping spree. Kannapolis police officers came together with the local kids, ready to make this a memorable Christmas. According to Sgt. Travis Kiser, who played a crucial role in organizing the event, 49 children were selected to participate over three days of shopping. This shows the dedication of the police department in making this event a success.On Thursday, the final day of shopping, a large group of officers, family members, and 18 children set off for Target. They traveled in a caravan of police and emergency vehicles, with the blue lights flashing and sirens singing through the neighborhoods. This sight was both exciting and reassuring for the children, as it showed the power and presence of the police.
When they arrived at Target, the employees were waiting outside to welcome them. They took a group photo before letting the kids loose in the store. This moment was filled with excitement and anticipation as the children were about to start their shopping adventure.
The 13-Year-Old Program and Its Impact
Sgt. Kiser mentioned that this is the 13th year of the program, and he has been a part of it for 10 years. He believes that watching the interactions between the kids and the officers is one of the most rewarding parts of the event. It shows that the police are not just law enforcers but also caring individuals.The children are recommended by school counselors, and Master Police Officer Jennifer Macky plays a vital role in pairing them up with the officers. She takes into account their personalities and needs and works hard to ensure a perfect match. This attention to detail makes the event even more special for the children.
Thanks to the generous donations from supporters, each child had a budget of $450 to spend. After shopping at Target, they went to Rack Room Shoes to pick out a new pair of shoes. This added another element of fun to the day, as the children got to choose something for themselves.
Milly the Therapy Dog Joins in the Fun
Milly, the department's therapy dog, also accompanied the group on the trip. The children loved petting and hugging Milly, which added a touch of warmth to the event. It showed that the police department is not just about law and order but also about caring for the community.Lunch and a visit with Santa rounded out the day, making it a truly memorable experience for the children. They were able to enjoy a delicious meal and have their photos taken with Santa, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Different Reactions from the Children
Some of the children were excited and energetic during the shopping, while others were initially shy and hesitant. However, by the end of the morning, everyone had a cart full of things they were happy with. This shows that the event was able to bring out the best in the children and make them feel special.Shopper David Landis, who witnessed the police caravan arriving with lights and sirens, was impressed by the event. He said, "This is such a great program. It gives kids a chance to see police as people and know that they are their friends. I think it's awesome." His words reflect the positive impact that the event has on both the children and the community.
In addition to the "Cops Target Kids" event, another 1,000 children in Kannapolis will receive gifts through the Toys for Tots drive held by the Kannapolis Police Department. These gifts will be delivered to homes throughout the city between now and Christmas, bringing joy to even more children.