Martin's delivers Thanksgiving, assists police with Toys for Tots

IN THE SPIRIT OF SHARING, a young gentleman (age 4) offers Officer Brister a chance to enjoy his favorite toy while she delivers a Thanksgiving dinner donated by Martin's Mexican Restaurant.

Jasper police officers will be taking your orders at Martin's Mexican Restaurant Dec. 7 from 6-7 p.m. as part of the Toys For Tots Christmas drive.

All tips and 25 percent of the tab will be donated to the program. Having cash allows the officers to buy toys to fill in any age groups where donations fall short, according to DARE officer Wanda Brister, president of the JPA (Jasper Police Association.)

For Thanksgiving, Brister teamed up with restaurant owner Martin Romero, who took time off from a busy lunch hour rush to help her deliver complete dinners to area families.

Brister said she consulted with school counselor Stacy Gillis to help locate two families who could "just use a little extra lift" during the holidays.

"We wanted to find two deserving families who maybe wouldn't normally qualify for some programs, and yet they do need and appreciate the little help," Brister said.

JASPER POLICE OFFICERS will be your wait staff at Martin's Mexican Restaurant Dec. 7 from 6-7 p.m.Tips and 25 percent of the tab will be donated to Toys For Tots. DARE officer Wanda Brister says she already knows how to sling salsa .

Romero said he donated some meals to families on his own last year, but this year he wanted to work with the police department.

MARTIN ROMERO of Martin's Mexican Restaurant provided Thanksgiving dinner to Jasper families with the help of DARE officer Wanda Brister.