Black Mountain Police Department delivers Thanksgiving meals to 12 families

Annual fundraiser returns in time for holiday

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
November 24, 2021

Officers from the Black Mountain Police Department deliver ingredients for a Thanksgiving dinner to one of 12 Swannanoa families on Nov. 23. Photo courtesy of BMPD

There were no blue flashing lights or blaring sirens, Nov. 23, as multiple law enforcement vehicles exited the parking lot of the Black Mountain Police Department. However, even though the officers inside of them weren’t responding to an emergency call, their mission was still an important one. 

Two days before the Thanksgiving holiday, 12 Swannanoa Valley families opened their doors to local law enforcement personnel, who arrived with all the ingredients necessary for a Thanksgiving meal. The delivery marked the return of an annual department tradition that began in 2017. 

Management from the Black Mountain Ingles assisted the BMPD in gathering the items on Tuesday, before officers returned to the station to load boxes filled with turkey, dressing, potatoes, yams and other traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Local law enforcement vehicles transported the contents to area families in need.

The food was purchased with contributions from local businesses and community members, while additional money was raised by officers participating in a “No Shave November” campaign, which allows department personnel to grow facial hair throughout the month in exchange for donations.  

Black Mountain Police Chief Steve Parker, right, joins fellow law enforcement officers, Nov. 23, as the department delivered Thanksgiving meals to a dozen Swannanoa Valley families. Photo courtesy of BMPD

The families who received Thanksgiving meals were identified by the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry and the Swannanoa-based Woodmen of the World Chapter 970, according to Black Mountain Police Chief Steve Parker, who was pleased to continue the community service project that was started by retired chief, Shawn Freeman. 

“Kudos to my predecessor for starting this program,” Parker said. “Everything law enforcement does is about service, and building relationships with the community. I have a servant’s heart and I want to help people, so my intention is to take these existing programs that have been built, enhance them and make them better. We’re also looking at ways to create new programs that continue that legacy, and serve the citizens the way they deserve to be served.”

The chief was one of at least eight members of the department to personally deliver the meals to local residents. 

“It’s always gratifying to be able to help people in your community,” he said. “It’s also humbling, because you see there are people in dire need, and you want to help even more than you can.”

BMPD will continue its fundraising efforts through the holiday season, in an effort to provide Christmas presents for Swannanoa Valley families who are unable to purchase them. 

“These are just some of the community service projects we intend to build on as we continue to look for ways to serve the community,” Parker said. 

Contributions to the holiday fundraiser can be made by contacting the Black Mountain Police Department at 828-493-9350.