KIKSTART YOUR DAY WITH SHERIFF PETTWAY

Back in 2020, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Bessemer-based nonprofit Kikstart partnered to provide meals to students adjusting to virtual learning. Each Monday, families could visit locations throughout Jefferson County to pick up free lunches and snacks to help prepare for the week ahead.

Research shows that children who eat breakfast have higher vitamin, mineral, and fiber intake and are better nourished, supporting focus and learning in the classroom.

The partnership continued in 2023, when JCSO and Kikstart again joined forces to distribute turkeys and food boxes for Thanksgiving. What began in Bessemer has since grown into a yearly tradition, bringing relief and smiles to families facing hardship across the county during the holiday season.

“They can see us out there helping them, and it makes them believe that they can talk to us, give us information to help us prevent things from happening. That’s what we want to do. We want them to know we are partnering with the community.”
— Sheriff Pettway