By Brian Livingston
blivingston@themeridianstar.com
When Capt. Randall Davis stepped into a home in Marion recently to check on a petty larceny complaint, the scene that rose up in front of his eyes made his heart ache.
Fourteen children quickly gathered around him in the small home and a grandmother was busy trying to find enough food for all of them to eat. For several moments as Davis stood there, small hands clamored for his attention, he took in the sights, sounds and smell. Davis admitted he forgot the reason why he had come to the home in the first place.
"It wasn't the first time I'd been in a place where the people were in dire need of help," said Davis Saturday afternoon. "But I guess it was the home that really made me realize just how many people there are out there in our own communities who could use a break away from their desperate situations. It just really touched me."
Davis, along with other officers of the Marion Police department and Barbara Anthony, who is an alderman with the town, gathered up 90 turkeys and hams donated by citizens, businesses and organizations of both Marion and Meridian. Saturday was the day they picked to go to homes and families on a list compiled in the last few weeks.
"So many times the public sees us doing our job arresting people and enforcing the law but I want them to see us in a different light," Davis said. "We are here to protect and serve and today we are serving turkey and ham."
Allie Rainer was one of the recipients of a turkey and with a big hug for Anthony and Davis she gladly accepted the bird.
"This is the best surprise I've had in a long time," said Rainer. "I wasn't counting on having a turkey for the holidays but now my entire family can enjoy a proper Thanksgiving dinner. This is just great."
Next door to Rainer's home, Eugene Lloyd was presented with a ham that brought a huge, golden smile from the man. Lloyd didn't think he would be having ham for Thanksgiving but the donation would change everything.
"I appreciate this so much," he said. "This is really something I didn't expect."
As for Davis, you would have thought he just scored a touchdown in the championship game. This is what he has been planning for so long and to see the expressions on the people was worth all the hard work in getting the donations together.
"This is what I'm talking about," he said as he pumped his arms. "This is what it means to be a public servant and to answer the call. It just doesn't get any better!"
Two down, eighty-eight more homes to call on. Eighty-eight families who will be surprised and have a Thanksgiving dinner.
