• Goody bags of useful, consumable items are always appreciated! Gather up an assortment of treats such as individually wrapped packages of beef jerky or nuts, protein bars, mini bottles of Gatorade or energy drinks, along with hand sanitizer, packs of Kleenex, bug spray or disinfectant wipes. Package with tags which include messages of support and distribute generously.
• Ask your mayor or elected officials to issue a proclamation honoring police in your town or city.
• We’re often asked for suggestion suitable for area businesses, banks or corporate offices. Designate a day for everyone to contribute a few bucks and have subs or a sandwich platter delivered to the sheriff’s office or nearby police station one day this month.
• Contact an area radio station, explain what Thank A Police Officer Day is about and ask them to mention the upcoming event on air. If you need details, email us and we’ll forward a press release and information to pass on.
• Baked goods and delicious treats are a wonderful idea. Please remember to check with a department first, however, for guidelines on the type of items they can accept.
• Pick up the tab for an officer's coffee or meal when you have the opportunity. Doing so anonymously is a fun gesture.
• Nearby restaurants may wish to provide free or discounted meals to law enforcement during September. If your business is interested, let us know so we can mention you and share your posts.
• Explain to others what "Thank A Police Officer Day" is about. Download images from our photo albums to share in neighborhood Facebook groups and invite others to join you.
• Deliver a basket of fresh fruit to any department to be enjoyed by the entire staff throughout the day.
• Help your children write letters to local officers as a “gratitude project” they can learn from.
• Host a first responder appreciation event at your church.
• Download the images created for individual agencies across the Delmarva area, which make great graphics for cards or goody bag tags. Don’t see your local PD in our albums? Contact us to see what’s available.
• Order pizza for one of the shifts at your nearby station. (We suggest checking with them ahead of time to confirm).
• Blue ribbons lining the streets, on lampposts or decorating front yards are a welcome sight and remind the entire community that we care.
• Take cards into work and have your co-workers fill them with messages of inspiration and appreciation.
• Change your porch light to a blue bulb to show your support of those who serve.
• Treat a station to fresh bagels, doughnuts and coffee one morning.
• Print our graphics and post them at your business to say “Thank You”. Contact us at delmarvablue@gmail.com and we we’ll email you the hi-resolution images.
• September is still a warm month. A quick delivery of several cases of Gatorade, waters or energy drinks is always appreciated.
• It's not necessary to visit an agency just on the official day. A gift basket of treats and healthy snacks can be assembled and dropped off anytime that week.
• Involve your family in “adopting” a local police station. Stop by one day with homemade cookies and a card (please contact someone at the department ahead of time).
• Become a neighborhood organizer for a "thoughtfulness campaign". Collect cards and donations for a delivery of lunch or dinner.
• Display a message of encouragement and appreciation on your business sign that week.
• Visit the Facebook page for the Whole Truth Project, who created this national observance in 2012. They have great graphics on their page!
• Tell us about your local hero such as a neighbor or family member who has served. Share a photo with us and we will post it during September.
• We’d love to see what you are doing to honor our LEO. Visit our Facebook page to post pictures of your blue ribbons, signs of support or projects.
• Tag us in your posts or photos with #delmarvasupportslawenforcement or #delmarvablue
Whatever you decide to do, the goal is the same; to thank and show appreciation to the men and women who keep us all safe. Thank you for your support of our officers!
