Monday Delano police officers distributed 200 turkeys to families ahead of Thanksgiving.

“The city of Delano has a lot of needy families,” said Sgt. Richard Stites. 

DPD said local businesses and Delano residents donated the turkeys that made the distribution to the community's neediest families possible.

“Especially the migrant communities," said Stites. "They don’t have a lot of contact with us so hopefully with projects like this we can build a better bond between the police department, the city, and our migrant community.”

Officers surprised families that the Delano School District suggested could use help this Thanksgiving.

“These are higher crime neighborhoods, but it’s also less reported," said Stites. "So hopefully once they realize we are here to help they can call us more and we can do a better job in these neighborhoods.”

 “It shows they care about the community and care about the people that live here," said Delano resident Ernesto Navarrete. 

To keep up with other Delano Police Department community outreach events, check their Facebook page.