Community Thanksgiving

ALBANY — For many members of the community, the Thanksgiving holiday started early Tuesday night as the Albany Police Department hosted its annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the James H. Gray Sr. Civic Center in downtown Albany.

In what has become a tradition over the past six years, dozens of Albany residents gathered to enjoy a free, hot meal of chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and more that was served by members of the police force in an effort to help bring the community together.

“We get so busy that we forget sometimes to sit down and enjoy a meal together as a family,” said APD Investigator Timothy Harvey during opening remarks. “Tonight we’re gathering together as one family, one community, to fellowship and enjoy some wonderful food and give thanks for the many blessings that we do have.”

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley added that while the event was beneficial to a great many people — bolstered by the fact that several area vendors were on site providing information on important public services — the Thanksgiving meal is also beneficial to the law enforcement community, which sees it as yet another way to connect with the citizens of Albany.

“This is something we have to do; we can’t not do it,” said Persley. “Everyone gets excited about it. It’s part of our community-oriented policing. It’s not a project, it’s a philosophy. For six years, we’ve been doing this, and anything we can do to give back to the community we will do. It’s a win-win for everybody.

“Here’s an opportunity where, one, a person can get information from vendors (about services they may need), and, two, they can get a hot meal tonight and sit down in a safe environment, laugh, fellowship, enjoy and just make it a good night.”

Although the entire community was welcome at the dinner, Persley noted that for a great many of those present the night’s dinner might have been the only hot meal they’ll get this week, something that made him reflect on the blessings in his own life.

“Personally, it makes me look at my situation and not take it for granted,” he said. “Even on my worst day, there’s others that have it worse than I might have it that day. It helps me to be very thankful for what I have.

“And, obviously, it’s a blessing just to help somebody else out. It’s a perfect thing to do on Thanksgiving.”

In addition to enjoying the hot meal, many of those in attendance also relished the opportunity to fellowship with their friends and neighbors in a safe and inviting environment.

“The food was excellent, very good,” said attendee Dyzonnyae Johnson. “I think this is a great service for the community. I came last year because I’m a veteran, and I get to see my veteran friends here and fellowship with them. The fellowship is very important.”

Based on the success of the Thanksgiving dinner and other community-building events the APD is involved with, Persley said he hopes to continue bringing the residents of Albany closer to those who serve and protect them.

“This will continue as long as we maintain this relationship that we as the police department have as servants of the community,” the APD chief said. “And however we can help those who are less fortunate, and those who just want to feel at home sometimes, we will also be here to do that.”