By Marilyn Thomas
To uphold the spirit of Thanksgiving, local law enforcement, along with dozens of partnering organizations, will be participating in Lexington’s Annual Bountiful Harvest community event on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. This family-friendly, public program promotes local information and resources by distributing boxes of non-perishable food items, and providing a catered meal by the Southern barbecue restaurant, Hudson’s Smokehouse. Lexington’s mayor, Hazel Livingston, is excited to be a part of the program’s ninth event, “The Town of Lexington is honored to host Bountiful Harvest,” she explains. “This is a wonderful event that ensures those in need have the tools and resources to make their holiday season a little brighter.”
“We are proud to support the Annual Bountiful Harvest event in Lexington, South Carolina,” adds Dr. Kassy Alia Ray, founder and CEO of Serve & Connect, one of the key nonprofits partnering in this philanthropic function. “In 2018, the Lexington Police Department had a vision to bring neighbors together over fellowship, care, and support. It is incredible to see how that vision has grown year after year, touching hundreds of lives annually.”
In fact, since Bountiful Harvest’s inception, the number of entities involved in this activity has grown to include town, county, and state law enforcement and service organizations from local as well as neighboring municipalities. Over the years, they have provided thousands of residents—from dozens of zip codes—with food and life-enhancing resources. “We are extremely grateful for the partnership that the Chapin Police Department has with Serve & Connect,” says Chapin’s Chief of Police, Thomas Griffin. “The services they provide allow our officers to connect with our community and build trust on a personal level.”
Those interested in volunteering and attending this event can “check our website, LexSC.gov, and follow along on social media for the latest information,” says Sergeant Cameron Mortenson of the Lexington Police Department. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the local community and discover what these neighboring service organizations have to offer.
As these law enforcement agencies come together to serve the community again this year, the staff of Our Town Magazine would like to express our deep gratitude and urge our fellow citizens to get involved when and where they can, whether through this outreach program or other organization. You never know what giving your time, knowledge, and additional resources will do to help others. Giving not only blesses the receiver, but the giver as well.
