JONESBORO, Ga. — During the holiday season, Clayton County officials said rates of domestic violence spike, and to combat this, the county is holding a food drive to connect people with resources.
The Give T.H.A.N.K.S. Food Drive was held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday in Jonesboro at Tara Stadium.
“We’re approaching the holiday season and with that see a lot of internal conflicts that result in crime," Clayton County Police Chief Kevin Roberts said.
That’s part of why the Clayton County District Attorney’s office, the Clayton County Police Department and several nonprofits pooled their resources to prevent crime—before it happens.
District attorney Tasha Mosely said food is a great way to start the conversation.
“If we can just provide a little bit of food and help them out," Mosely said. "If that information (they get is) 'Hey, there are counseling resources over here,' and they take that, and they go to that, and it helps bring down their anger and anxiety, that’s a win."
The food drive started Saturday morning, and by early afternoon, thousands of people had been given food and critical information for a peaceful holiday season.
"Encourage our citizens (to) fall back on their conflict resolution skills," Roberts said.
And most importantly, Roberts wants people to remember and to give T.H.A.N.K.S., which stands for:
- Take a break
- Have patience
- Ask for professional help
- Never resort to violence
- Keep calm
- Stay safe
People who came out for the drive got non-perishables, but the most important piece of this event was the food for thought organizers hope they drove off with.
