Providing holiday meals to Garland firefighters and police officers is an Oakridge tradition that goes all the way back to 1992. This act of kindness from Oakridge residents is our way of expressing appreciation to the first responders who are hard at work during a time when most people are at home celebrating with their families. Here are a few highlights from the lengthy history of this annual tradition:
- The first holiday meals from Oakridge were delivered to Garland firefighters and police officers on Christmas Day, 1992. The Oakridge newsletter (Jan. 1993) reported a successful delivery that was well-received: Luanne Payne, ONA chairperson, said approximately 50 police officers and 8 firefighters were fed with food and money donated by ONA members and Oakridge residents. Police Chief Terry Hensley expressed his appreciation in a note to the Association, adding that the police and firefighters were overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity shown by Oakridge.
- The tradition started with meals only being delivered on Christmas. In 2008, the ONA started including Thanksgiving meals as well.
- Oakridge stopped providing meals to the Garland Police Department in 1996 due to the difficulty of coordinating meals with Police Department work shifts. However, in 2019 the ONA once again began delivering items to the Garland Police Department – but this time the food was in the form of snacks and treats. These portable food items worked better for busy schedules.
- Over the years, different fire stations have been assigned to Oakridge. When Oakridge first started delivering holiday meals, we served Fire Station 3. In 1997 we added Fire Station 6, but then dropped it in 2005 when we picked up Fire Station 11. Oakridge actually had one year (2004) where it served Christmas meals to three fire stations (3, 6, 11)! Since 2005, Oakridge has been serving Fire Stations 3 and 11.
- For several years, the Oakridge Country Club (which no longer exists) donated the main course for these meals while Oakridge residents provided side dishes and desserts. When the Oakridge Country Club was no longer providing the main course, local grocery stores (like Albertson’s) stepped in to donate the meats. Eventually grocery store donations dried up, so Oakridge residents took responsibility for the main meats (sometimes by cooking it themselves, sometimes through monetary donations) along with side dishes and desserts.
Each year the ONA works hard to continue this tradition. This year we hope you will join us!