LINCOLN F.O.P. GIVES
TIME, FOOD FOR HOLIDAY

By Jon Mayhew

Lincolnton Police Sgt. Matt Painter loads a pickup with food. Photo by Adam Diaz/TCS

LINCOLNTON -- Members of the Lincoln County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) gathered behind the Bi-Lo grocery store last week to give of their time and efforts to help others in need have a happier Thanksgiving.

With food supplied by Bi-Lo and help from the Lincoln County law enforcement Explorers, 15 FOP members moved boxes filled with food from the loading dock of Bi-Lo into a rental truck and pickup donated by a local car dealership.

According to FOP president Lt. Brian Green of the Lincolnton Police, donations are solicited by phone prior to the give-out.

"We try to donate food to 100 families each year," said Green. "We're given names of families and also have names of families of who we served before."

After the food is loaded, the FOP members and explorers split into two teams to deliver the food. Frozen food, non-perishable foods and baked goods are then delivered across Lincoln County.

One female resident of Bailey Springs was appreciative of the gift. She didn't want to give her name.

"I really appreciate it," she said. "Thank you."