Following a mobile food bank in North Chicago on Saturday, two police officers helped deliver groceries to several families who were not able to make it to the event.
The event was held at the North Chicago City Hall by The Chapel of Libertyville’s mobile food bank, according to Jim Moran, a Community Information Coordinator for the City of North Chicago.
The mobile food bank is held once a month, ten times a year. Volunteers from The Chapel set up and host the drive-thru event.
The mayor’s office, public works department and police department work to coordinate the logistics for each event.
Anywhere between 150 and 500 families are typically served. The next food distribution event with The Chapel is April 17.
After the event, Detectives Carl Sturt and Alex Flores delivered groceries to about 10 North Chicago families who were not able to make it, Moran said.
“Many officers from the North Chicago Police Department work with The Chapel of Libertyville’s mobile food pantry regularly to ensure residents of North Chicago who are in need, can have access to groceries regularly,” Moran told Lake and McHenry County Scanner.
Members of the police department work the monthly event to help with traffic flow and safety.
North Chicago Police Chief Lazaro Perez said he is very proud of his officers.
“We’re fortunate to have officers go above the call of duty in our community, and we’re fortunate to have residents appreciate the work of our police officers, like the residents of North Chicago. I’m also thankful to the members of The Chapel of Libertyville’s Mobile Food Pantry who provide for our residents,” Perez said.
“Throughout my time as mayor, one of my top priorities has been to strengthen the relationship between the men and women of the North Chicago Police Department and the residents of North Chicago. Every day, I see our officers go above and beyond not only to protect our residents but provide care and assistance,” North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham said.
Moran said this is part of the North Chicago Police Department’s overall mission to not just protect the North Chicago community, but also help the overall welfare of its residents.
He said the police department also does regular community outreach including their annual Shop with a Cop, Prayer with the Police, Halloween candy and pumpkin giveaway, public safety fair, graffiti cleanup and more.