Pittsburgh police officers prepare, distribute thousands of meals for those in need

PITTSBURGH — On Thanksgiving Day at Holy Assumption of St. Mary Orthodox Church, a whole lot was going on outside.

This group of people preparing more than 4,000 meals – and the need this year is overwhelming.

Pittsburgh Police officers pulled up, and volunteers packed their patrol cars.

“I have officers from all over the city,” said Pittsburgh police officer Christine Luffey.

This means a lot to the Pittsburgh Police Department, and Luffey looks forward to this day every year.

She takes the phone calls from families in need and hears their stories.

“The stories that you hear are pretty sad,” Luffey said. “They’re struggling financially. They have no money to purchase food for Thanksgiving and they have no food. It’s heartbreaking to hear this. 2020 is truly the year of survival.”

To the people who volunteer each year — this is Thanksgiving. And this is stepping up to meet the need in the community during an unprecedented year.

“The fact that we were able to pull this off, I’m really really grateful and thankful for,” said Heather Dieckmann of the Bethel St. Clair Rotary Club.

“This is a day of giving. It’s a day of being grateful. Please count your blessings. as hard as it is to focus on the good in your life at this time. There is still good in your life. Focus on that. Count your blessings and spread seeds of kindness everywhere you go because everyone needs it,” Luffey said.

The Rotary Club raised $15,000 to make all this possible and from them to you, they say Happy Thanksgiving.

2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (NCD)

Cox Media Group