Atlantic City police will have something special when they encounter the city's homeless this month.
Members of the city's Charlie Platoon, who work midnights, gathered in the morning after their shift this weekend to make Blessing Bags.
The idea came from Sgt. B.J. Dessicino, who enlisted not only the members of his platoon but their families as well.
“We are all excited to do our part in making a difference in someone’s life who is less fortunate than us," Dessicino wrote in an email announcing the plans. "This last year has been hard on all of us, but remember in the grand scheme of things, we are fortunate. This small act of kindness will help someone in their time of need.”
The bags include hats, scarves, gloves, socks, toiletries and food. Most of the hats and scarves were knitted by the Linda's Hats for Hope Initiative: South Jersey.
They will be given to patrol officers, who will give them out to those they find in need of assistance.
The first bags went out soon after they were put together.
Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner honored the department as part of his Random Acts of Copness initiative, which honors officers or departments who do good.
"A wonderful gesture of kindness and RANDOM ACT OF COPNESS from the Atlantic City Police Department!" read a post on the office's Facebook page. "Great work, officers and for taking the initiative, Sgt. Dessicino! Be safe and we hope all of you and your families have a wonderful holiday!"
