IN McKeesport Winter 2018 | Page 27

McKeesport Police Partner with County Sheriffs for Holiday Giveaway llegheny County Sheriffs and McKeesport Police Department partnered with local retailers and ministries to provide Thanksgiving meals to more than 250 local families in need. “We were able to round up 250 Thanksgiving dinners, including a frozen turkey all the way to a choice of sweet potato or pumpkin pie and everything in between,” Deputy Sheriff Jason Tarap said. “That’s 250 families who are going to have a happy and filling Thanksgiving dinner thanks to this partnership.” Families were selected by the McKeesport Police Department, Rainbow Temple, the Salvation Army of McKeesport, and Father’s Heart Ministry. Meals were provided by Walmart. McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said it’s programs like this that embrace his administration’s motto of “Working Together for a Better McKeesport.” “It was an honor to stand alongside our police, the county sheriffs, and local pastors as they offered care packages with all the fixings for hearty holiday meals,” Mayor Cherepko said. “It is very meaningful to be able to step up and help those in need, and it’s heartwarming to see that members of the McKeesport community are always willing to help their neighbors.” Tarap said police-community partnerships show “how big our hearts are for the communities we work in and with.” McKeesport Police Department Assistant Chief Adam Alfer thanked the sheriffs for coming to McKeesport: “This is a great cause, and it’s helping us bring our community together.” Bethlehem Baptist Church hosts ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FEAST B ethlehem Baptist Church hosted its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 16 – inviting church members, city residents, public officials, and the homeless to enjoy a meal, conversation, and prayer together. Volunteers from the church, city, and McKeesport Area schools served a turkey dinner with all the fixings. “This is an event I look forward to every year,” Cherepko said. “I bring my daughter and her friends to take part in this community service with me. It gives them a unique opportunity to give back to the City of McKeesport and to share the season of giving with those in need.” MCKEESPORT AREA ❘ WINTER 2018 25