There are so many ways in which communities are able to come together to offer a bit of encouragement to an officer who may have lost employment due to circumstances beyond his control, an officer who is facing hard times emotionally or mentally, or simply to lend some sunshine to brighten the day of an officer unexpectedly. Sometimes, the smallest gestures such as buying an officer a coffee or paying for their lunch can move mountains.
Pastor Tom Sexton has put together a list of 10 ways you might be able to lend some encouragement to the life of a police officer. They may seem simple and small, but they will make a big impact on the life of one of our officers.
Ten Ways to Show Thanks
You and I may never have the honor of putting on the blue uniform or becoming a part of our police departments, but we can become their number one supporter. At “Stand With the Blue” we are working at enlisting every citizen, young and old, to join together and add our voice to support our brave men and women who have sworn an oath to serve and protect.
1. Pray for them We believe it is our duty to pray for those who are on the front line of the battle against evil. Let them know you are praying for them.
2. Thank you cards Christmas cards are sent to our servicemen and women abroad. Theses cards bring a word of encouragement to all who read them. School classes, church groups, families, and clubs can do the same for our law enforcement officers.
3. Restaurant gift cards (A Meal-a-Month) There are many restaurants across our city that would welcome an opportunity to encourage a police officer and his family with a meal; A Meal-a-Month for our Blue covered by restaurants in the area. Restaurants could line up to be the 'Restaurant of the Month'.
4. “Stand with the Blue” yard sign There are families all around our city that would welcome the opportunity to put a “Stand with the Blue” sign in their yard. One of these signs can be purchased for a very reasonable price by contacting us at contact@swtb.org.
5. “Stand with the Blue” sticker on your car or water bottle Let everyone know you support our brave officers by putting the beautiful “Stand with the Blue” sticker on your personal items.
6. Send pizza or other food items to their break room Every little thing will refresh the spirit of our dear officers. A Sunday school class could make it a monthly project.
7. Teach children and youth how to say, “Thank you for your service”
“Thank you” goes a long way. We all remember those who said thank you.
8. A coffee gift card Most police officers enjoy a good cup of coffee. A simple $5 Dunkin Donut gift card would be refreshing. We could have families buy one and write a simple note, “Thank you for your service, be refreshed on us.”
9. Always allow uniformed officers to go first in line A police officer in uniform should never stand at the back of the line. Let them go first or at least take your place in line.
10. This one is up to you. Let us know what you think should be on the list. Visit us @ www.swtb.org and make our list complete.
To donate lunch, a cup of coffee, or for other monetary donations, please visit our 'Donations' page for more information on how you may do so today.
