NYPD groups gave back to the community on Wednesday during the first annual food drive at Williamsburg’s 90th Precinct. Sergeants, detectives and officers from Brooklyn North — including members of the Detectives Endowment Association, the Sergeants Benevolent Association and the NYPD’s Hispanic Society — distributed 400 turkeys to people in need.
“This is to show that our Detectives care about the communities they work in and they want to give back to these people,” said Detectives Endowment Association President Scott Munro. “There are a lot of people in need right now and we want to ease that burden for them.”
That sense of connection was echoed by Retired Detective and NYPD Chaplain Barbara Williams.
“This helps to bridge the gap between community and us,” she said. “We are all one family, we want these people to know we go through the same struggles that they go through despite us wearing a blue uniform.”
Recipients expressed gratitude for the donations.
Shari Owens, who received a turkey, said she has a lot to be thankful for.
“This time last year I had two heart attacks and I flatlined twice while at the hospital. I am thankful for the gift of life this year. This year I am getting my niece a turkey,” she said. “We have to help one another out during these difficult times.”
Another recipient, Carlos DeJesus, said, “Thanksgiving is a lot about giving back and being thankful” — a sentiment that resonates deeply with him.
“I have a lot to be thankful for this year. My wife beat cancer and my daughter lived through a bad car accident,” he said. “I am thankful for life and health. If a turkey brings us together, that’s all I can ask for.”
