The festive season is a time for giving, and this year members of the Protective Services Group (PSG) within the Queensland Police Service (QPS) had the privilege of joining forces with the Salvation Army to bring joy and relief to families in need.
On 18 December, Protective Services Officers (PSO's) worked alongside volunteers and the Beenleigh community to pack and distribute 40 Christmas hampers filled supplies ranging from household necessities to gifts for children.
The week long Christmas Drive organised by the Salvation Army has distributed hundreds of hampers across the state including regional and rural areas.
In addition to the hampers, the Salvation Army also pre-packed gift bags for families with children, tailored to the ages and genders of the recipients.
These bags were filled with thoughtful donations from the community, including toys, make-up, electronics, decorations, and even larger items like bicycles and Christmas trees.
The event was a heart warming reminder of the positive impact that community engagement can have, not only on those receiving support but also on those who give it.
The PSO's in attendance on the day remarked how the event was a great reminder of the positive role police and its members can play in the community.
"Giving back and helping members of our community is one of the reasons why I joined this organisation. This event gave us the privilege to do just that." stated one PSO.
"To have the opportunity to support the salvation Army and help local community members and families who are doing it though was an absolute privilege for us.
The generosity that we witnessed that was given by the people of Queensland was incredible and seeing the relief and gratitude from families made the experience genuinely meaningful."
For more information on a career in the Protective Services Group, visit protectiveservicesgroup.qld.gov.au.
