Greg’s Groceries Further Expands Across SC

 
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On September 30th,  law enforcement from more than three dozen agencies across South Carolina gathered at our annual Greg’s Groceries Statewide Annual Event to pack more than 1,600 food boxes for their communities. During the event, AT&T and FirstNet presented the Serve & Connect with a $125,000 contribution to further expand the reach and impact of Greg’s Groceries.

In the last twelve months, Greg’s Groceries has experienced significant growth, with delivery currently in 47% of South Carolina counties and actively working with over 36 police partners.

“We really see first responders and their support, not only as an honor but an obligation. We see Serve & Connect as a bridge for the police and the community relationship,” said Amanda Taylor, SC regional director for AT&T.

Demonstrating that growth and commitment to community relations, three dozen agencies across South Carolina, including representatives from South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), gathered at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy on Sept. 30 to assemble 1,600 nonperishable food boxes for their local communities. The boxes will provide an anticipated 30,000 meals.

“SLED is honored to partner with Serve & Connect in a continued effort to support community policing in South Carolina. Our Community Relations agents are integrated in communities across the state to provide support to local agencies and the communities they serve. Serve & Connect provides the necessary tools, especially Greg’s Groceries, to assist our efforts in bringing the community and police together,” shared SLED Chief Mark Keel.

Officers showed their continued commitment to community relations and the Greg’s Groceries program while also honoring the memory of Forest Acres Police Officer Greg Alia on the 6th Anniversary of his death. Alia was killed in the line of duty on September 30, 2015.  Greg’s Groceries is named after Officer Alia.

“Greg said that for every one negative story we hear in the news, there are thousands of positive stories happening every day between police and community,” shared Kassy Alia Ray, Serve & Connect CEO. “Through Greg’s Groceries, we are able to spread small acts of kindness between police and community and enhance police departments’ ability to implement effective community policing practices.”

Departments and officers were recognized for their outstanding work with Greg’s Groceries program over the last 12 months. Timmonsville Police Department, which was among the departments that delivered the most boxes so far in 2021.

“Initiatives such as Greg’s Groceries are important for building trust within a community,” according to Timmonsville Police Department Chief Thomas McFadden. McFadden wanted his department involved because he wanted his officers interacting with the people they serve in a positive setting.

“I like to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. I think somewhere in the past few years that got lost,” Timmonsville Police Department Chief Thomas McFadden.

Once the packing event ended, police agencies took boxes of Greg’s Groceries to their local communities for officers to deliver to families and people in need.

*Video at the top of the page courtesy of York County Sheriff’s Office.

The following departments and officers were recognized for their outstanding work with Greg’s Groceries program over the last 12 months:

Most Boxes of Greg’s Groceries Delivered:

  • Large Department: Charleston County Sheriff’s Office

  • Medium Department: Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office

  • Small Department: Timmonsville Police Department

Officer Who Delivered Most Boxes of Greg’s Groceries:

  • PFC Jose Cardona, Lexington Police Department

Annual Department Impact Awards:

  • Charleston Police Department – For excellence in strategic outreach

  • Greenwood Police Department – For excellence in leadership training within the department

  • Chester County Sheriff’s Office – For excellence in utilizing community partnerships

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List of Statewide Partner Agencies

Statewide Agencies/Associations

  • State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

  • South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy

  • South Carolina Sheriffs Association

  • South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association

  • South Carolina Police Chiefs Association

  • South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police

 Midlands Agencies

  • Blackville Police Department

  • Camden Police Department

  • Cayce Police Department

  • Columbia Police Department

  • Elgin Police Department

  • Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office

  • Forest Acres Police Department

  • Irmo Police Department,

  • Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office

  • Lexington Police Department

  • Lexington County Sheriff’s Department

  • Newberry Police Department

  • Orangeburg Department of Public Safety

  • Richland County Sheriff’s Department

  • Saluda County Sheriff’s Office

  • Springdale Police Department

  • West Columbia Police Department

  • Winnsboro Department of Public Safety

Lowcountry Agencies

  • Beaufort Police Department

  • Charleston Police Department

  • Charleston County Sheriff’s Office

  • Goose Creek Police Department

PeeDee Agencies

  • Georgetown Police Department

  • Timmonsville Police Department

  • Myrtle Beach Police Department

  • Nichols Police Department

Charlotte/Rock Hill-Area Agencies

  • Chester County Sheriff’s Office

  • Rock Hill Police Department

  • York County Sheriff’s Office

Upstate Agencies

  • Clemson Police Department

  • Honea Path Police Department

  • Greenville County Sheriff’s Office

  • Greenwood Police Department

  • Spartanburg Police Department

We sincerely appreciate the media sharing news about this important work. They play a critical role in helping us bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Links to coverage are below:

Thank you to the following partners who made this event possible.

  • AT&T

  • FirstNet

  • South Carolina Bar Foundation

  • South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy

  • State Law Enforcement Division

  • Sound & Images

  • Trio Solutions Inc. (TRIO)

  • Alpha Media

  • Jac2Photo

 
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