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Waterloo Police Department reserve officers Brian Harrison, left, and Jim Scott check out at Crossroads Hy-Vee Food Store Thursday after purchasing food to be given in food baskets to needy families this holiday season.
RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer
RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer
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Law officers help out families at holidays
By JEFF REINITZ, Courier Staff Writer
WATERLOO --- Some 20 needy families are getting holiday meals and gift baskets courtesy of the men and women behind the badge.
On Thursday night, deputies with the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office delivered presents and other goodies to 10 families.
It was part of a ritual that has played out every December for several years.
And in the upcoming weekend, another 10 families will get visits from reserve officers with the Waterloo Police Department.
This is the first year in recent memory for the reserve police officers to spread holiday joy, and they plan to make it an annual fixture of the season.
"We were looking at some ways to give back to the community a little more than we do, and this came up," said Jim Scott, captain for the police department's reserve unit.
The group was involved in something similar years ago, he said.
Armed with a list of families provided by the Salvation Army, the officers hit the supermarket Thursday to fill up shopping carts for Christmas meals. Each will get a ham and a pie along with potatoes, rolls and vegetables, Scott said.
"A lot of the families that are less fortunate, that's one of the last things that they do for themselves, and if we can give them the ability to have that little family thing, it's going to mean a lot," Scott said.
Funds for the food came from money the reserve unit receives for working special events and donations from Qwest.
Gift baskets from the deputies included clothing for the children and a few toys.
Deputy Tony Thompson said they pride themselves on getting some of the gifts that parents might not otherwise be able to afford.
That doesn't mean a $300 video game system, but something like a "Harry Potter" DVD is closer to the mark.
Thompson scanned through some of the wish lists the deputies received.
Transformers were on one, Pokemon items on another.
"Every year Barbies are popular," Thompson said.
He was impressed by requests for "non-commercial" gifts like drawing paper, diaries and art supplies. The officers also like to include family-oriented board games.
Two boxes of food prepared by the Moose Lodge in Washburn accompanied each gift basket. The deputies' program was sponsored by the Black Hawk Law Enforcement Association, which includes deputies, and civilian employees at the sheriff's office and emergency dispatchers.
Contact Jeff Reinitz at (319) 291-1578 or jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com.
On Thursday night, deputies with the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office delivered presents and other goodies to 10 families.
It was part of a ritual that has played out every December for several years.
And in the upcoming weekend, another 10 families will get visits from reserve officers with the Waterloo Police Department.
This is the first year in recent memory for the reserve police officers to spread holiday joy, and they plan to make it an annual fixture of the season.
"We were looking at some ways to give back to the community a little more than we do, and this came up," said Jim Scott, captain for the police department's reserve unit.
The group was involved in something similar years ago, he said.
Armed with a list of families provided by the Salvation Army, the officers hit the supermarket Thursday to fill up shopping carts for Christmas meals. Each will get a ham and a pie along with potatoes, rolls and vegetables, Scott said.
"A lot of the families that are less fortunate, that's one of the last things that they do for themselves, and if we can give them the ability to have that little family thing, it's going to mean a lot," Scott said.
Funds for the food came from money the reserve unit receives for working special events and donations from Qwest.
Gift baskets from the deputies included clothing for the children and a few toys.
Deputy Tony Thompson said they pride themselves on getting some of the gifts that parents might not otherwise be able to afford.
That doesn't mean a $300 video game system, but something like a "Harry Potter" DVD is closer to the mark.
Thompson scanned through some of the wish lists the deputies received.
Transformers were on one, Pokemon items on another.
"Every year Barbies are popular," Thompson said.
He was impressed by requests for "non-commercial" gifts like drawing paper, diaries and art supplies. The officers also like to include family-oriented board games.
Two boxes of food prepared by the Moose Lodge in Washburn accompanied each gift basket. The deputies' program was sponsored by the Black Hawk Law Enforcement Association, which includes deputies, and civilian employees at the sheriff's office and emergency dispatchers.
Contact Jeff Reinitz at (319) 291-1578 or jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com.
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olof wrote on Dec 21, 2007 2:00 PM:
" Truly an example of Waterloo's finest.
Great work officers, we can all be proud of you! "
snowrider222 wrote on Dec 21, 2007 4:47 PM:
" tojjmom: I love how everytime an article is posted on how people help someone else out someone has to look down on it. Get a life and be happy for a change or do something yourself. Good work officers. Everyone should be proud and thankful except for a few selfish jerks who turn a positive into a negative. Merry Christmas to all people to give and help others out. "
olof wrote on Dec 21, 2007 5:02 PM:
" jjmom I guess you know a bit more of the situation regarding this, or are you reading another story?? "
bobert wrote on Dec 21, 2007 9:33 PM:
" It is unfortunate when we seek to find fault where only good was intended. Yes, Tonya Wilson has family members who are employed by The Salvation Army. This does not however, imply any form of a "fix" by any one. Perhaps the family is in need; perhaps the children have lost their father; perhaps the children have had to endure witnessing spousal abuse; perhaps they have lost their home; perhaps due to a family rift the children have lost contact with a set of grandparents; perhaps just perhaps The Salvation Army saw need within itself and rather than show favoritism gave the families name to another organization.
The Salvation Army has for over 100 years been meeting the needs of people without preference to race, social status, gender, religion, or any form of orientation. The Army has a history of "Hand to man; Heart to God" service in the communities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls since the late 1800's. Many people recount The Army's assistance during floods, tornadoes, and fires. To often this organization has stood in the shadows and helped others and accepted no acclaim all the while ignoring the "cheap-shots" as to their intent. This Christmas The Salvation Army has helped hundreds of families in the metro area and the Wilson family was not one of them. To preclude the appearance of impropriety this needy families name was given to another organization...so what did The Salvation Army do wrong? Not one single thing.
I encourage people to come to The Salvation Army Monday through Friday and see 300 people fed, numerous families assisted, help with bills, transportation, health issues, counseling for spiritual and emotional needs. Men, women, and children sheltered, and a family shelter be completed, a men's transitional house being operated for men returning to society. Clothing and household items sold at next to nothing, thousands of items donated and requiring sorting. There are food give-aways, children coming to enjoy activities and the safe environment. Or maybe you would like to go on a visit to the local resthome, or maybe a visit with people whose family member is in the hospital terminally ill. There is a choir that needs members, a womens club that needs people to lead activities, there's a men's club that is waiting for your participation. If you want to donate money to The Army GREAT, but your helping hands are needed also.
The Salvation Army is the organization that will assist you when you've hit bottom and rejoice when they hear of your new found success. "
olof wrote on Dec 22, 2007 10:19 AM:
" Where is Tonya Wilson mentioned in this story? There is nothing regarding her on my computer. "
neiacop wrote on Dec 22, 2007 6:10 PM:
" Good job guys, thanks for doing something positive for our profession. "
neiacop wrote on Dec 22, 2007 6:12 PM:
" Good job Guys....Nice to see a story about the "good" things we do. "
olof wrote on Dec 22, 2007 7:44 PM:
" Oh well, I didn't see anything about Tonya, but no matter, it's the mission here that's important, and the teaming up of the police and the Salvation Army has created a wonderful gift for some needy people. But beyond that, it has also increased awareness of a need that all of us can help fulfill. "
Bobert wrote on Dec 23, 2007 3:59 PM:
" Tonya (Wilson) Alcott is the young mother who is pictured with her children opening gifts. I would like to encourage people to come to The Salvation Army Monday through Friday; eat lunch, volunteer, or just take a tour of the facility. Meet the Staff, enjoy being with the many clients, and swap stories with the regular volunteers. The Salvation Army was founded as a church, and remains a church first and foremost. Meeting the needs of those less fortunate is a duty The Army has been mandated with by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please feel free to come to church at The Salvation Army on Sunday morning. You will find a group of people who will readily accept you into the family. Be warned though...you will be changed... "
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jjmom9497 wrote on Dec 21, 2007 12:45 PM: