CBS4 Exclusive: Officers Save Thanksgiving Feast For Homeless In Broward
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BROWARD (CBSMiami) – Some South Florida police officers have gone well above and beyond the call of duty to help lots of people have a happy Thanksgiving.
Police officers from all over Broward were in the spirit of giving.
They loaded turkeys into the back of a pickup truck after turkey donations for Health Care for the Homeless did not come through for the Homeless Thanksgiving Feast at the Broward Health Clinic.
Officer Sandi Downs-Keesling from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department works with the homeless.
When she heard turkeys were in short supply, she put the word out to fellow officers who work with the needy.
"Within a couple of hours everyone responded and here we are. We wound up with over 50 turkeys and three hams," Downs-Keesling said.
BSO Deputy Lauren Apollo dug into her own pocket.
"I just asked my district for some cash, I paid the other half and we wanted to donate on behalf of our district," Apollo said.
Every officer and deputy who donated did the same thing – they asked their colleagues for money and pulled out their own cash, thankful they can help the homeless in a more personal way.
"We understand it's a time to be thankful, a time to give. The holidays bring that and it brings out the best in everyone," said Jennifer Bickhardt, an officer with the Wilton Manors Police Department. "We tried to show that we care about our community, whichever department you're with, we all care."
And that care is appreciated.
"That's very thoughtful of them to think about us and everybody," said Cindi Johnson.
The final count was 62 turkeys, more than enough to feed the estimated 650 people who will show up for the feast on Monday. It will be at the Broward Health Clinic on Broward Boulevard at NW 11th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.
Officers who donated are from Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, BSO Pompano Beach, BSO Oakland Park, Margate, Coconut Creek, Lauderhill, Plantation, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines and Miramar.
