Sheriff’s program strives to help elderly Bossier residents

Bossier Sheriff  Larry Deen remembers the first year he started "Operation Blessing:  Bossier Parish.”

"I can remember how proud I was to launch the program, the day before Thanksgiving, in 1998," said Deen.  "For some of those who came that first time, it may have been all they had to eat on Thanksgiving."

The program — developed to assist the elderly, needy residents of Bossier Parish — is marking its eleventh anniversary this month.

Since that first thanksgiving 11 years ago, the program has grown steadily, with more and more people being served and home deliveries added to the mix.  It operates year-round and features a food bank which is staffed by the Bossier Sheriff's Posse and Auxiliary volunteers.

Deen says God used two verses to motivate him to implement the program.  One is found in the 26th chapter of Matthew, verse 11:  "The poor you will always have with you."  The other one is found in the 4th chapter of James, verse 17:  "Therefore to him that knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin."

"After reading those two verses, God began to give me a very clear picture of how 'Operation Blessing' would be structured and the nuts and bolts of how it was going to work on a weekly basis," said Deen.  "It has been God's program, from the beginning.  We are simply the ones who carry out His orders."

program's base of operations is at the back of the Bossier Sheriff's Substation, 2510 Viking Drive, in Bossier City.  Its hours of operation for qualifying and food distribution are 9:00 a.m. until noon every Wednesday.  Applications must be made in person and applicants need to bring their social security card, their current utility bills, proof of income and/or food stamp verification.

"Operation Blessing:  Bossier Parish" is a non-profit corporation which operates without tax dollars.  Its cost is underwritten by area businesses and private citizens who share Deen's conviction that we are to help those who can't help themselves.

"I am deeply grateful to the businesses and private citizens in Bossier Parish who have helped sustain this program over the years," said Deen.  "God has used them to meet the needs of this program."

Deen says there are many needy people in the parish who are still not aware such a program exists.  He encourages anyone who knows someone or knows of someone who needs help through the program, to contact the Bossier Sheriff's Substation at 965-3500.

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