Shiloh Partners With Local Police

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

The Shiloh church in Petersburg, Va., recently partnered with their local police department to serve the community. Together, they distributed clothes, food and literature outside the Community Policing Outreach Center. Shiloh volunteers also prayed with those who expressed interest. The partnership was spearheaded by Deborah Whitfield, Shiloh’s Community Service leader, and supported by David Defoe, Shiloh’s interim pastor.

This outreach group, known as “Community Connections,” gathered after church to share love and kindness within the historic Virginian city limits. Their collaborative efforts resulted in providing 89 individuals with toiletries, blankets, food and literature. Shiloh plans to host similar events each month and invites other community organization neighbors to join them for future Community Connections projects.

“The experience was phenomenal. We should partner with the police department and legislators to make sure our voices are heard. We can help make changes while meeting community needs,” says Whitfield.