La Vie en Redmond

Earlier this week, Hopelink public relations specialist Denise Stephens gratefully accepted a $1,000 check from the Redmond Police Department, to help brighten the holidays of community members who are facing hard times.
It’s certainly been a difficult season for the law enforcement community, too, in light of recent tragedies involving officers in the Puget Sound region. But that has not dampened the spirits of Redmond’s dedicated police force.
“We have been embraced by our citizens and this is a simply a way to let them know that we care about them,” Redmond Police Commander Shari Shovlin explained in an e-mail to the Redmond Reporter.
Shovlin noted, “Our department and its members feel very blessed this time of year and realize how lucky we are that we work for such a great department. Our department members are like family and as many families do, we exchange gifts letting each other know how much we appreciate each other. Instead of exchanging gifts this year, it was important that we let our Redmond community know how much we appreciate them — all of them. Knowing that many non-profits are in need this year, due to the economic times, our department members decided to give money to the food bank to help those that really need gifts, food and clothing.”
Kudos to the Redmond Police for their generous donation and for their positive attitude.
I will also add that when I visited Hopelink’s office twice this week, I was impressed by the number of people who were dropping off donations and the number of cheerful volunteers who were busily sorting the donations.
Christmas Day will come and go before we know it, but the need for your time, talent and gifts of food, cash — or whatever you can share with others less fortunate — will continue into the New Year.
Thanks to all who have demonstrated the true Christmas spirit through their kindness toward their neighbors — and best wishes for peace and prosperity in 2010.