Fresno officers deliver Thanksgiving feasts to families in need

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tuesday afternoon Teddy Alada was thankful as Fresno Police Officers delivered a Thanksgiving dinner to him and his family.

"I was at a loss for words," said Alada. "I was like, the cops are here. I thought somebody was in trouble, but then Officer Santos surprised me with the food."

This is the first time officers deliver Thanksgiving dinners to needy families and they are doing it all from a raid van. Officers are delivering families much more than just a feast.

"We have school supplies for the school-aged children and then we have bears for the little children and books for the babies, with baby blankets that were donated to us," said Maeketah Rivera with the Crime Prevention Unit.

In secret, officers nominated 11 families who they saw were in need.

"For a police officer to think about my family and put our name, the boy's names in the raffle and then we win, it is awesome," said Jajayra Molo, Teddy's aunt.

To brighten up their holidays, the Northwest District of Crime Prevention and the Northwest Citizens on Patrol, collected food and other items through fundraisers and donations.

"A lot of tears today," said Lt. Joe Gomez Northwest operations manager. "People are extremely happy with what we are doing. It shows that we are part of the community not separate from the community."

Molo said this act of kindness will leave a lasting impact on her and her family.

"Man I feel in my heart like I see them differently," said Molo. "They are good. they are thinking of families."

The Alada family invited officers over for dinner this Thursday, but if they can not make it they have got them covered.

" I will save you some food," said Teddy. "if I can."