Sheriff's office and local nonprofit team up to feed community

Around 15 families gathered at the Willows of Springdale apartments in Springdale to collect fresh produce and other food items on July 16. The food distribution event is an effort with the Willows Project to help aid families in need. 

The food donation occurs every Friday morning, starting around 10 a.m. Major Jacqueline Reed of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said the families who live in the apartments, who are mostly Guatemalan, don't have access to a grocery store and as a mostly Spanish-speaking community, the language barrier makes it difficult for them. 

Helping families through the Willows Project

Deputy Josh Taylor, a member of the Community Affairs Unit, has been aiding the Willows Project in providing the families at the Willows with food since mid-April. He's even taken Spanish classes at Princeton High School to be able to communicate with the families. He practices his Spanish by checking in with families weekly. 

Reed said she believes Taylor's efforts are an important effort to build community. 

"You have to be able to communicate with the community so they don't feel threatened," she said. 

The Willows Project was created four years ago by Paul Breidenbach as an effort to help the growing Guatemalan population and other immigrant families. 

"(The) Sheriff's office has made this weekly distribution way easier," Breidenbach said. "... Folks aren't starving, but this sure helps stretch the family budget." 

Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey created the Community Affairs Division led by Reed to help build relationships between community members and the police.

“Our Community Affairs Division is a front line of communication, cooperation and assistance for citizens who are turning to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for help," said McGuffey. "It was a top priority for me to establish this unit within my first 100 days. As a result, the unit has grown and is having an impact that confirms how necessary these services are for our community.”

Those who'd like to volunteer for the Willows Project should email thewillowsproject513@gmail.com. In addition to food distribution, the group helps arrange transportation to places such as medical appointments and education initiatives.