The Bossier Sheriff’s Office collected several barrels of can food items from area schools last week to help fill this year’s Operation Blessing food baskets.
Deputies visited schools like Stockwell Elementary where two 50-gallon barrels were filled to the top with donated food items from students along with a 30-gallon barrel as well.
These barrels with canned goods and other non-perishable food items will be assembled in “Spirit of Christmas” food boxes to help provide meals for about 500 homes with elderly and needy residents. Brookshire’s Grocery provides the boxes and a coupon for a hen in each box.
“Support from the Bossier Parish community and our schools each year is heartwarming,” said Sheriff Julian Whittington. “Everyone should be able to enjoy a good meal at Christmas.”
Operation Blessing, which began in 1998, relies on year-round support from businesses, organizations and individuals. The program also provides food to about 200 families each week throughout the year.
