Thanksgiving 2018

With Christmas on the way and coming fast, I thought I might log on and post a quick overview of this year's Blue Thanksgiving Day.  With the addition of volunteers willing to work on Thanksgiving day, we have grown to something larger than I would have believed possible, that first year when Doug and I delivered baked goodies to three precincts.  This year we actually delivered full hot catered buffets to FOUR precincts, and cold lunches to an additional SIX!  We were also happy to be able to provide desserts that were delivered to the Cobb County Sheriff's Deputies working at the jail and the operators at the 911 Call Center (they had their own pot luck plans).  Our hot buffets consisted of both smoked and roasted turkey, dressing, gravy, sweet potato mash, macaroni and cheese, green beans, ham, rolls, desserts and iced tea.  Our cold "grab and go" menu included turkey, cheese and ham sliders with condiments, chips, salads, desserts and iced tea.  We would very much like to thank all the volunteers who delivered and set up these meals, as well as those who helped collect donations and prepared for the big day.  Without these amazing people, it would not be possible to deliver meals to so many of our officers in this county.  We would also like to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to all the wonderful people who donated.  It is so wonderful to know that so many people are willing to show support for our local LEO's this way.  And it is very rewarding to see the smiles and expressions of gratitude from the officers who receive these meals.  
Now that the equipment and the mess is all cleaned up and we're preparing for Christmas, it is extremely gratifying to look back and remember how so many officers were reminded that their community cares and appreciates what they do, even on the holidays when we are all home with family.  We received some publicity on a local news station as well as in a small local paper this year.  I hope that this helps bring more help to us next year, as we still need help with clean up after the big day.  (It took me a week to wrap it all up, by myself)  I look forward to doing more for our Cobb county LEO's in the coming year.  Last year we delivered traditional New Year's Day lunch to Cobb pct 1, and then again on Easter we were able to send several precincts ham, fresh pasta salad and coconut cakes.  Additionally when time, energy and funds allow, we do Italian dinners for a couple of precincts as well as the multi-agency Elder Abuse Task Force that meets monthly (the Elder Abuse Task Force donates to offset costs for their luncheons)  In January, we will again provide our photo booth and service to the heroes at Marietta PD for their awards and promotion ceremony.  Finally, there are multiple cakes that are made and decorated for precincts having smaller events within the precincts...usually retirement or promotion celebrations.  We do more than just Thanksgiving, but the majority of our funds come to us during our Thanksgiving drive.  
Have a wonderful Christmas and be sure to thank an officer you see on duty, when you are out shopping or enjoying your day.  They need to know how much they are appreciated!
Blessings, from Kim and Doug Hill
Founders, Blue Thanksgiving
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