As the festive spirit envelops Columbus, the Columbus Division of Police played their part in dishing out Thanksgiving cheer a bit early this year. All tickets for their fifth annual turkey giveaway were distributed, and those lucky enough to have gotten their hands on one are likely now in possession of a fine bird for their holiday tables. The social media announcement, posted by the Columbus Division of Police, conveyed the successful distribution of the turkeys, extending gratitude for the community’s "overwhelming support."
With the giveaway commencing at 1:00 PM at two specific police substations, throngs of residents had queued up for their chance at a gratis gobbler, and it seems as though the turnout exceeded expectations, with no more birds to be handed out—this announcement coming in prior to some folks perhaps having even finalized their Thanksgiving menu. The two participating locations were Substation 19 at 2070 Sullivant Ave. and Substation 11 & 12 at 950 E. Main St., both operating on a first-come, first-served basis, a gesture substantiating the force's connection with the community they police.
The enthusiasm for the event pairs neatly with the broader civic movement towards community-oriented policing, efforts that are steadily integrating public service into the very thread of law enforcement's daily grind. In keeping with the Division's policy of requiring attendance to receive the free turkey, it became as much a community-building event as it was a giveaway.
