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12/24/03
 They
called it "Operation Shining Star." And a team of local, state,
and federal law enforcement professionals from across Chicago
pitched in to make it a success: the U.S. Secret Service,
the Chicago and Cook County police departments, the Illinois
State Police, DEA, ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service, TSA, and
the FBI's Chicago Office.
Their
mission? To lift the spirits of underprivileged kids in
Chicago by delivering presents and smiles. And deliver they
did, giving toys and books to 850 children in four sites -
a shelter for children from abusive homes, an after-school
program, a children's hospital, and a community policing program.
The
highlight of the operation? Santa and Mrs. Claus delivering
presents down the streets of Chicago in a presidential limo
provided by the Secret Service, escorted by a motorcade of
vehicles driven by agents and officers from the various participating
agencies.
What
else have FBI employees done to give back to their communities
this season?
- The
Joy of Giving. Several FBI offices chose to help make
the holidays happier for needy families of students they
mentor year-round in the "Adopt-a-School" program. The Phoenix
Division, for instance, gave students of a school for homeless
children the opportunity to experience the joy of giving
to others. While other agencies provided toys and other
gifts to the kids themselves, FBI employees collected donations
so that the students could get gifts for their family members.
Then, the employees helped the students pick out the gifts.
- Phone
Home. Some FBI offices focused on making connections
between our troops overseas and their families back home.
Employees of the Atlanta Office launched "Operation Call
Home," collecting donations that were used to purchase 168
phone cards so that families could call their loved ones
stationed at a Naval Air Station in Afghanistan.
- The
Warmth of the Season. Several FBI offices from cold-weather
states focused on helping the less fortunate stay warm this
winter. The Cleveland Division, for example, asked employees
to decorate one of the holiday trees in the office with
new children's hats, coats, scarves, and mittens. These
items were then given to a local children's home that provides
such cold-weather essentials to needy families.
These
are just a few of the examples of giving during the holidays
by FBI employees, who are proud to serve their communities
and their country year-round. Happy holidays everyone!
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