ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. – It was a night of service and gratitude as the St. Charles County Police Department joined forces with a local business owner to brighten Thanksgiving for several families.
A local landscaping business owner took the initiative to give back to the community by lending a helping hand to families. Teaming up with the Saint Charles County Police Department, SWAT team, and the department’s Blue Line Family, they chose Sterling Heights Apartments as the distribution site to help over 180 families who could benefit from a Thanksgiving turkey.
The parking lot at the apartment complex was lit with police lights and filled with families, officers, and SWAT trucks. One of those trucks was filled with 280 turkeys, each weighing about 13 pounds. Several families came out to receive a free turkey for Thanksgiving.
“I think it’s a lot of opportunities that we get to interact with the community, but this is one of the rare ones that we get to do something proactive and positive for them,” Cpl. Barry Bayles, St. Charles County Police Department, said.
Families lined up to receive the turkeys, many expressing their gratitude to the officers for their kindness and service.
“We’re so excited for us that they’re doing this…we’re going to have a turkey now,” resident Jovita Nava said.
The department’s chief and several officers personally delivered turkeys to residents’ cars as they drove up.
“I appreciate it; being a mother of four, we appreciate the help,” another resident, Shay Richardson, added
As families headed home with their turkeys, St. Charles County Police hoped the gesture would not only fill dinner tables but also build stronger bonds for the future.
“Just being able to do something. As small as it may seem, it can make a difference for a lot of people,” Bayles said.
Once the distribution was complete, the remaining turkeys were taken to Rolling Meadows Mobile Park to serve even more families. Police hope this is the start of a tradition they can continue for years to come.