Late last week the Dallas Arboretum was the setting for an impressive photo opportunity.

Dallas police officers from the Northeast Patrol Division, along with representatives from Doctor's Hospital, all gathered to promote their combined initiative to bring Thanksgiving to deserving families.

Partnering with Boston Market and Bonnie Ruth's Cafe on Garland Road, the group announced their goal of providing complete holiday meals to local families in need.

The money was raised and the principals were gathered, but the really rewarding work began yesterday - and will continue through Thursday in honor of Thanksgiving.

Chief Executive Officer of Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake, Scott Manis, details the project's scope.

"Doctors Hospital, together with the Dallas Police Department's Volunteer Board, have been able raise thousands of dollars toward this holiday effort."

"We will be able to serve over 100 Thanksgiving meals at the hospital, in addition to delivering food to local families in their homes on Wednesday and Thursday," says Manis.

In an effort to reach out to deserving families, who might otherwise be unable to afford a large holiday spread, these groups are making a huge impact in the lives of local citizens.

"We are very grateful for the opportunity to reach out to our community," says Deputy Chief of Police, Tom Lawrence.

"Thanks to our volunteer board, as well as our officers and hospital staff, we're going to be able to meet the needs of some very deserving families right here in our neighborhood."

DPD Officer Bervin Smith and Julie Martin at Doctor's Hospital coordinated the details of the program, which included accepting donations to cover the cost of rotisserie chickens, side dishes, bread and even special dessert for those in need.

Our community certainly didn't disappoint, as the effort netted over $6,000 in donations to make sure that healthy food would find its way to these families for Thanksgiving.

What a wonderful celebration of blessings, to know that the knock on your door comes from a local volunteer or Dallas police officer sharing the gifts of the season.

Photo (below left) Staff at Boston Market helps sort and pack meals for delivery.

Photo (below right) Back Row: Steve Crane, Dallas Children's Charities; Mel Cyrak, DPD NE Volunteer Board Vice-Chair; Marc Valerin, DPD NE Volunteer Board Chairman; Scott Manis, CEO Doctors Hospital; DPD Deputy Chief Thomas Lawrence; DPD Sgt. Keitric Jones; Carlos Vaz, DPD volunteer, and DPD Officer Bervin Smith. Seated: Libby Carillo-Logan, Bonnie Ruth's Cafe; Martha Trimpe, DPD volunteer; Julie Martin and Shannon Collier, Doctors Hospital.