‘Amazing Generosity’ Fills Armored Vehicle

Photo courtesy NCSD

 “For it is in giving that we receive.”- St Francis of Assisi
 
Last week Sheriff Bob Mendham posted this on the SD social media page:
“If you noticed our  armored vehicle (MRAP) out and about on Wednesday, it was for a good cause. Detective Scott Rios of the Sheriff's Office came up with an idea to assist local food banks over the Holidays. Drop off sites were located around the county campus and  Newaygo County employees collected food to fill the MRAP for food pantries. 
“Not only were we able to fill the MRAP, but we were able to fill a van as well. The food was delivered today to the following food pantries: Love Inc. in Grant, Benny’s House in White Cloud, and True North in Fremont.”
We caught up with Detective Rios to pose a few questions about the project.
 
What led you to initiating this drive?
I have been very fortunate and I know there are families in our community who need a little help.  The Sheriff's Office has had a project to give back to the community the past 2 years and this year we expanded to include all  Newaygo employees and our DHHS partners. I wanted to continue helping those who need a little help. I then wanted to make sure these gifts were spread around Newaygo County.
 
How did you get it off the ground?
I started by talking with a few of my coworkers and then set a goal of what we hoped to accomplish.   I initially was worried the goal of filling the MRAP was not attainable however I was soon convinced we could do this. 

What surprised you the most about it?
I was amazed by the generosity of my co-workers.  I believe we are all called to serve others and I was excited to see the enthusiasm of my coworkers to  be servants by giving back to those who need a little help.  
 
Will there be a repeat performance?
We have picked a different project each year.  We started by giving some Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts for families to this year collecting food for pantries.I have not given much thought to next year and If I do not retire I am sure we will have another event as an opportunity to serve.
 
Anything else?
 I would like to say thank you to all who generously gave for the food pantries.  I would like to say thank you to the food pantry volunteers as they are serving those people who need a little help. 
If had one parting thought it would be say we all need to be servants.
 
Well done donors for getting into the spirit of the season to help fill our much needed local pantries.
And well done Detective Rios. 
Your efforts are indeed an example of servant leadership at its best.

Detective Rios (far right) with some county folks. Photo courtesy of NCSD