The Spirt of Giving

Yes, It is never to early to think of the Holiday's. However, This time think on how the Lodge is going to make the Holiday's brighter for our citizens. I always participated in the BLUE SANTA program sponsored by METRO PD. I usually gave money or gifts to the coordinator. Last year that changed and that's what brings me here tonight.

I made a "routine" report call of a robbery that occurred at a bus stop. My PPO and I met with the Complainant at a school. The Complainant was a Grand Mother taking care of her grand kids by herself. If I remember correctly, She had a lot of cash in her purse ($300.00) for rent and food.

We transported her and her grand kids home because her keys were also in her purse and the house was "locked up". Well, Being a cop for more years then I want to remember, I know a little about "breaking and entering". All I have to say is she was able to get into her locked house without damage being done.

I asked her if I could "use the restroom" before we left, and one of the kids showed me where it was. For those who know me well, this was the first time, I did not have to go, but I wanted to look around a bit. The house was void of lots of kids toys and the alike. I told my PPO to make sure to get the kids information for the "report". I really think she knew what I was up to. She to "had to use the restroom" before we left.

I went back to the station and to the Blue Santa Coordinator's office. I gave all the money I had in my wallet and told her, There is one more family that needs to be included. I then told her if she needed more money or gifts to let me know. I went on the BLUE SANTA delivery that year and of all the families, THAT family, MY Family (My PPO's too) really touched me.

Why am I telling this? The FOP is about service, about taking care of our Brothers and Sisters AND the citizens that we serve. If during the course of your shift, you come across people in need, get the information necessary for US to help them. We are organizing a charity committee that Sister Nancy Demartin is heading. We are looking for idea's and ways to give back to the community.

The E Board has been talking about different programs to sponsor such as: Shop with a Cop, Turkey Dinners from Cops, The Blue Santa, and others. We do not have to wait for the holidays to reach out and help. Read the article posted on "THE BEAT" at our web site (www.fop98.org), it shows how everyday events can be turned into service and it is not all about the money. TIME is just as valuable to give as money.

We have several media outlets that are looking for stories to cover and stories such as these, will bring help to the people who really need it. It may also shed a little light on our Lodge and the Good Men and Women who belong to it.

BE SAFE!