Operation Blessing Food Drive Kicks off at Bossier Schools

Almost 100 food barrels have been set up at Bossier Parish Schools to help the Bossier Sheriff's Office's Operation Blessing food drive.

Students and faculty will be filling the barrels with non-perishable food items and canned goods over the next few weeks in support of the parish's food bank program. Those items will be packed in 'Spirit of Christmas' food boxes to help provide meals for about 500 homes with elderly and needy residents this season.

"The support of the Bossier Parish School Board and our schools, students, faculty and parents to support Operation Blessing each year is amazing," said Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington in a news release. "The food they gather and donate will be used to make Christmas food boxes that our deputies and Posse members will deliver to our residents in need -- everyone should be able to enjoy a good meal during Christmas."

Operation Blessing began in 1998 and operates solely by contributions, not public funds. The program not only provides these special holiday deliveries, it also provides food to about 200 families each week throughout the year.

"Our residents are so caring to help meet the needs of others," said Sheriff Whittington, "and it thrills my heart to know that folks carry out the principle, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'."

If you'd like to help, you can drop off food items at the BSO substations on Viking Drive or Arthur Ray Teague Parkway.