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Episode 16 - Operation Freebird
2 Plays27 days ago
It’s a Thanksgiving tradition at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office—Operation Freebird. Each year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, ACSO joins forces with community partners to make sure local families have everything they need for a holiday feast. This year, ACSO, Adams County, Food Bank of the Rockies, and Mountain States Toyota are teaming up to provide Thanksgiving meals for more than 1,400 families across the county.
On today’s episode of Breaking & Adventuring, Karla Ojeda from Adams County Human Resources and Nicole Narverud, ACSO’s Community Relations Manager, share how Operation Freebird goes beyond a one-day event to support people year-round—and what’s in store for this year’s celebration.
Do you have questions? We want to answer them. Send us an email to CommunityConnections@AdamsSheriffCO.gov
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Transcript
Introduction to Operation Freebird
00:00:24
Speaker
Welcome to another episode of Breaking and Adventuring, where we dive into the world of Adams County Sheriff's Office, public safety, and the greater community, and just go through all kinds of things. So I'm Commander Sherman, and I'm here today with Nicole Navarroot and with Carla Ojeda with Adams County.
00:00:41
Speaker
And we're just going to talk a little bit about specifically Operation Freebird, a give-back event that we do that put on at Sheriff's Office that we're in our 22nd year, but also just about the greater need in the community and things that we can do to help. so Uh, with that, just a little background, like this event started back in 2003. So long before I was involved or any of us were involved.
Evolution and Impact of Operation Freebird
00:01:01
Speaker
Um, but there was just a need, especially in the North Denver area to just get food and services and whatever we could back to the community that we serve. Um, there was obviously a need there. So I know we partnered with Rocky's auto as a host and we had about three to 400 people would show up. And then now here we are where we're getting thousands of people showing up families in need.
00:01:22
Speaker
the ups and downs, whether it's economic economy economic needs um or or issues or socioeconomic, COVID, so things like that. just bouncing around, but still trying to provide those services best we can. So this has become such a huge event in the Denver metro area. So I really appreciate you both being involved with it and and bringing your talents so we can continue to grow it.
00:01:46
Speaker
Um, well, I guess to get us started, um, beyond a holiday meal, operation free bird offers just a variety of resources and, you know, tons of those come in from, from your area of expertise, Carla.
00:01:59
Speaker
Um, can you share some of the types of assistance available for those that ah that attend? Sure. So a lot of the times we have a teams from human services there, ah like child support, our team that can help with public assistance. Head Start tries to attend.
00:02:14
Speaker
We also have a lot of different community partners that attend that offer things. Sid Vizos is going to offer some flu shots. um We're going to have a clothing, books. um but housing, um, leap information. Cause it's leap season right now to name a few. We have about 20, 25, community partners that have RSVP'd for the event so far.
Volunteers and Community Partnership
00:02:35
Speaker
Yeah, that's incredible. And that's, you know, uh, county services, that's private businesses, just any and everything people want to get involved in, um, and really help help the cause and help fill the need.
00:02:46
Speaker
So yeah, we originally were hosted at Rocky's auto, which was ah just a small location at 64th and federal for those that know the the North Denver area. And we quickly outgrew it. So now, uh, you know, we have ah corner of of mountain States Toyota. So they've been a huge partner for us and in a host location.
00:03:02
Speaker
And that's important too, because it's still, it's directed towards that core area of need of Adams County. So ah we're able to still be in the community where we see some of the most most need and people turn out for that.
00:03:18
Speaker
the event provides those in need, in that service area for holiday meal resources. And it's grown to encompass just people and families from all Denver area. I mean, we get people that get bused in. Sometimes we get, mean, in the past shelters have reached out trying to get information on when they can bring in people. So it's, it's really become a huge, huge event. So, um,
00:03:38
Speaker
from being involved in these type of events, what kind of impact have you seen like this event in particular make, but obviously any, any others that you've participated in, but both for those receiving the help and for volunteers who come out and participate.
00:03:52
Speaker
um We already talked about the need a little bit. You touched on that. And I think um as the years have gone on, the need has grown for a lot of different reasons.
00:04:03
Speaker
And i think other than that, um I think Adams County as a whole is kind of growing. There's more people that move in. Um, sometimes people are just need a little bit of help around the holidays or throughout other times of the year. And so for human services, we try to host some different events to try to, um, help our community out a little bit. Um, we love partnering with you for operation free bird. It's always been a really big success. And I think a lot of the community partners, um, and agencies that participate look forward to it because they usually start getting emails well before, the invite goes out to participate in these types of events.
00:04:36
Speaker
And like, have you for both of you, i mean, have you seen um just the energy of people who want to participate, just be a part of it, be part of that give back? I mean, what's what's the response to that been like?
00:04:48
Speaker
i I mean, it's been great so far. i know last year when you were heading this up, you probably got more of them. So I'm seeing it for the first time where there are a lot of businesses, um different organizations who want to just provide their employees with an opportunity to give back.
00:05:07
Speaker
So I think the last time we were, I checked, we were like at 125 volunteers. and incredible And I believe she was starting to create like a wait list. Um,
00:05:18
Speaker
um That's a good problem to have. It's a fantastic problem to have. um And every day we get one, maybe two emails of how can we get involved, whether it's can our organization donate or can we be there to volunteer.
00:05:32
Speaker
um Core Health, which is our medical provider inside the jail. um They've been fantastic partners for us. Their nursing staff doesn't get a whole lot of opportunity to engage with our community and um outside of working with those who are coming into our jail and not such great situations.
00:05:54
Speaker
um And so they are so excited so have this opportunity to give back. um So I think there's 12 nurses from the jail that are like, sign me up. I want to be there.
00:06:05
Speaker
a full day we have our pre recruits are coming. so they're going to take part. Uh, so it's really exciting to see how many people just want to do something. Yeah. We've even had over the last handful of years, an increase of like high school kids want to get involved just to get the community service hours or whatnot, but just having that wide range of, of people who just have a heart for these types of events in general.
00:06:26
Speaker
Um, do either of you have a particular story, uh, from a past event that really captures what, what operation free birds all about? somebody you maybe met or somebody in line or anything like that?
00:06:39
Speaker
For me, I've only had one under my belt. So I'm sure over the next few years, I'll have great stories. Um, loved last year just seeing our posse came out.
00:06:50
Speaker
Um, and they were just the joy that you saw on the kids' faces when a horse walked by. um and it went because they it's so random like you're in the middle of the city and maybe not the best part of town and you just see ah a horse walk by and um you've got like a deputy that's riding the horse and or a posse member and they get to see something that they would have never normally seen we had the rodeo queens there and so it's not only just an event where they get free resources but we also infuse some
00:07:23
Speaker
fun little elements that they wouldn't normally get a chance to be a part of. I mean, they might not even have the resources to get to a rodeo to see a beauty queen or a rodeo queen. So, um, that was kind of cool to see. Yeah.
00:07:36
Speaker
Yeah. Um, I would say that from some of the community partners that have participated in the past, um, and from our team members, there have just, there's just a lot of, um, gratitude towards the event and families, uh, just say thanks, you know, cause without this, we wouldn't have a Thanksgiving meal or, um, I was looking for a resource to help pay my rent or, you know, like my kids got new toothbrushes cause, um, we had that resource there.
00:07:59
Speaker
And so I think, like Nicole mentioned, sometimes it's just the little things that, um you know, maybe we don't think about on a day to day and we we're worried, you know, this event is geared towards Thanksgiving. Sometimes those other little things that families pick up along the way help them out also. So they're they're very grateful that it's hosted.
00:08:16
Speaker
Yeah, and I'm the same way. We're just like these little snippets from over the years where I'm just like, oh that was really cool. were I know it might have been 2021, but it might have been part of the Head Start program. but They were just giving away some children's books. And there's kids who yeah they might not even have a book at home to go through that they're able to pick two or three books. And their eyes were wide. Or a couple people who wanted to join or be a volunteer or get their business involved.
00:08:39
Speaker
they'd been in were recipients, you know way back in the early, early days. So just seeing that evolution and circle back and people giving back when they had that opportunity, um, it was, it's been hugely amazing. And of course,
00:08:51
Speaker
being able to see our personnel, county personnel, vehicles, Adams County fire, um just, you know, people seeing that in a more positive light than instead of just always coming in emergency situations is always fun. So yeah, letting them put on the bomb helmets and meet the canines and just yeah seeing everybody outside of their normal job function is a lot of fun too. So.
00:09:13
Speaker
I know that Cardenas ministries also looks forward to the event and about the books and the socks and they usually have a long line and kids really enjoy stopping at that table. They do great. I mean, yeah. I mean, they have tons of tables full stuff where, yeah And like you mentioned, some of those families might not otherwise be able to access any of those resources or clothing or anything like that in coats.
The Role of Community Engagement
00:09:33
Speaker
So Operation Freebird brings ah together a lot of partners, which we've mentioned, ah businesses, nonprofits, volunteers. But ah can you talk about a little bit about some of those collaborations and how they come together to make an event like this possible? I know event, ah probably your huge vital part of that coordination.
00:09:49
Speaker
um What's that like when we start like kind of in the summertime as you start getting phone calls? A lot of excitement from people just wanting to know dates so they can hold a space on their calendar um so they don't miss the event. So like I talked about before, um you know, there's a lot of people that look forward to it. And I think other than that, I think it's kind of the giving back part of it that they enjoy as well. um At times it can be overwhelming, just getting a lot of either phone calls or emails at one time.
00:10:19
Speaker
Um, but there's some people that participated last year for the first time and they were kind of taken back by, how big the event is. yeah Um, and just, I think the atmosphere in general, you know, it's very fun with the radio station, you know, and a lot of the other ah resources and community partners that are there. So it doesn't feel that you're there for like a need necessarily. You're just there having fun, you know?
00:10:41
Speaker
The weather has always worked in our favor the past few years. So hopefully it does again. But it doesn't feel, you know, like something that you have to do. I think a lot of people like want to come to it. Like Nicole mentioned, you know, a lot of people look forward to it and you start getting those calls pretty early on. Yeah. And that's how I always was when people call them like, Hey, how can we participate? And we, you know we offer this or, you know, our business is that I'm like,
00:11:02
Speaker
Let's try it Yeah. Come on out. You know, we'll see how it works. So that's always been fun. Um, what role does the community trust and relationships build and playing, uh, play into an event like this? i mean, that, that, the importance Um, you know, just them seeing us out there is huge. Um, them, the community knowing that we're not just always like you mentioned before, we're not just always going to be there in the emergency, but we're also going to be there in the good times. Like we can have fun and we can,
00:11:33
Speaker
um be a part of something that brings somebody else joy. um And I know that that means a lot to me in the role that I have is that um I can help bridge that gap little bit. A lot of folks that walk through there might not have had a great first interaction with law enforcement or maybe not a great second interaction with law enforcement.
00:11:54
Speaker
But if we can do anything to change that, I think that that's fantastic. I do want to give out a shout out to Sarah Overholt from our um records division ah because she is huge in um coordinating all of our volunteers. yeah um I don't know how she does it, um but she, like I said before, she's got, I think like a waiting list now of volunteers over 125 and she has that thing so well coordinated. um They all know what they're doing.
00:12:26
Speaker
They're all super excited. yeah And she's got tremendous energy. So I don't know if she like gives them something beforehand, but it is so infectious with that group. um And we would not be able to do this.
00:12:39
Speaker
without that volunteer support because of how large this event has gotten yeah from the time that we open up those gates at 10 all the way through the time that we have to clean up that lot and make it look like we were never even there.
00:12:54
Speaker
um It's all volunteer driven and it's, I ah can't thank her enough. Yeah. And she does it all with a smile on her face. And then she kind of has, um you know, she's like a mama hen. She's like getting them place. It's, it's fun to watch. Yeah. um And I totally skipped over this part. So why don't you both introduce yourselves, just what you do on a daily basis for your career and then how that has led into just being so involved with Operation Freebird. So.
00:13:16
Speaker
Carla, we'll start with you. Sorry, I totally skipped that. No, you're good. I'm Carla Hedda. I work for ah Human Services here in Adams County, and I'm the Community Resources and Outreach Coordinator. So I provide resources for residents of Adams County, along with information about the programs that are located at Human Services.
00:13:32
Speaker
And that's key, too, because, you know, people will come. Obviously, they can tap into the resources we have on site, but then. you're a great conduit to like, here's all the other stuff that we have throughout the year or, you know, just other departments and, and things that are offered. Um, so it's great. So not only are people getting tangible resources, but they're also able to get tons of more information.
00:13:51
Speaker
Definitely. And Nicole. The amount of stuff that she knows is like incredible. Like oftentimes I'll just be like, you can probably help with this. So why I'm not even going to try Can you?
00:14:02
Speaker
Yes. She's the county encyclopedia. Exactly. Um, she's been fantastic. Um, I feel very fortunate. So my role is community relations manager. I'm just about a year into the role here in a couple of months.
00:14:15
Speaker
um And my focus is, um again, going back to bridging that gap between the agency and the community, um maybe putting on like a civilian face to the agency. Also, um we've got a large professional staff um that works for the sheriff's office and maybe the community doesn't even know that.
00:14:35
Speaker
how much of an operation that is behind the scenes. yeah um And so I not only help to coordinate those community events to create that action, um but I also help to oversee our whole communications side of the agency. So external communications, public information officer, and then we have a really fantastic connections team.
00:14:57
Speaker
and We got three members on that team. um So they they make everything happen for us on social media. They create all of the content that you see. um They take our ideas and turn them into those really cool, fun things that the community want sees and yeah wants to engage with us.
00:15:18
Speaker
It could be as simple as like a post of somebody that we're looking for. you know, like, do you have tips? Like we just posted one today. Can you help us locate this person or identify this person? They find a way to um make the post engaging so that we can solve those crimes or we can get involvement.
00:15:38
Speaker
Yeah. Great. and And then let people know that we have amazing events resources for them as well. So, yeah. Yeah. So it's not always just, you know, law enforcement, bad stuff. It's, you know just like that community partnership. That's great for both. Well, Carla, for you specifically, uh, from your perspective at, at human services, what kinds of needs are you seeing most among families in the community right now? Like, especially during the holiday season.
00:16:02
Speaker
Um, there's a great need for food at the moment. Um, so I think that this event helps fill that a little bit. Um, people are just, uh, needing help, uh, with rent.
00:16:13
Speaker
Um, I think just bills kind of day to day stuff at the moment. yeah And so, um, you know, we try to partner and be out in the community as much as possible to help fill some of those gaps.
00:16:24
Speaker
Awesome. Now, again, you guys are Indian everywhere. It's almost like you've cloned yourselves and your team. So it's great to see you out there. A little plug. They have a food drive going on, yeah which we are assisting with, but kind of hoping to architect that whole thing. Yeah.
00:16:41
Speaker
If you have any food items. Yeah, load them up. Thanks. Appreciate that, Nicole. And in general, how does Operation Freebird work? ah Help fill some of those immediate needs that you mentioned and connect people with longer term support.
00:16:56
Speaker
Um, I think cause the event is held on a weekend. It might be a little bit easier for people to get there if they're working during the day. yeah um and I think all the resources are in one spot. So not only can they get, you know, stuff for a Thanksgiving meal, um, if they need any other resources for the most part, they can most likely find it at operation free bird. And so I think it's just very convenient.
00:17:17
Speaker
Um, you know, kids can come to the event as well and they have fun. Yeah. Yeah, it's it's great. They love just you getting high fives. But again, just seeing so many smiles is incredible for that type of event and and others like it.
00:17:31
Speaker
Um, why are events like operation free bird so important just for, you know, it's not just providing a meal, but it's also, ah connecting residents with resources. They might not always access or just even just face to face connection. you know, so how, you know, how do you, the importance of these things and, uh, trying to continue to grow it, you know, what, what's, what's a good mission behind that.
00:17:55
Speaker
I think it's so always ah ah great for the agency to have an opportunity to give back. um We get a lot from our community, both positive and negative, but um our ability to give back in a way that's outside of what our normal responsibilities are is incredibly important because sometimes you can get stuck in the day-to-day mundane-ness of our job or the routine.
00:18:20
Speaker
um and you don't, you could lose track of why you do it. Yeah. Right. Um, you know, for example, if our patrol officers are out there and they're constantly working in a district that is,
00:18:31
Speaker
high crime and you know, they don't have any opportunity to really get connected with our community in a positive way to make a kid smile or, um to connect with, um, a senior citizen in our community and, um, they want to connect with us.
00:18:47
Speaker
So an event like this is a great opportunity for that connection to start. We have a ton of other events that we do. I think we're resting 90 events this year that we've either hosted or taken a part in. Um, and, um, in particular for the agency, um, it's difficult to pull off multiple events like this throughout the year.
00:19:13
Speaker
Um, not only just cause of its size, but you're also asking a lot of your community to donate. We're asking for money. We're also asking for people to give up their time. um so we don't have a whole lot of opportunities throughout the year to do that just because of the way things happen.
00:19:28
Speaker
yeah Um, and the way the year goes. So, um this is the perfect time for us to do that. You know, capitalize on that giving season um not and and being grateful.
00:19:38
Speaker
So um it's incredibly important. Yeah. And I think just from, even from like the law enforcement officer side, events like this in particular, know, it's so easy to get into the mundane and just, you know, you get burned out on whether it's shift work or just, know, you're just doing the same thing over and over. And, you know, you're dealing with, you're stuck in like a detention setting or you're showing up calls for service that are just, you heartbreaking at times. Events like this were always great because it kind of refilled up that cup of why we get into public service and actually,
00:20:11
Speaker
seeing smiles instead of, you know people hurt or upset or things like that. so you know, even when I go back to teach at our training center, I encourage, you know, a as you get into your career, take advantage of these opportunities because it'll kind of snap you out of that, you know, lull you might find yourself in of just the shift work and, and that the, the,
00:20:28
Speaker
the business of what we do and it gets back into that heartfelt of why you got into it in the first place. So ah for me, that was always refreshing. Yeah. I'd say too, like with this but event in particular, um the food box that we purchased from food bank of the Rockies, um it allows for ah few days worth
Year-Round Community Support
00:20:48
Speaker
of food. and Depending on the size of the family, you can probably stretch it for a week, which is nice. And and with the Turkey voucher, you can get a decent size.
00:20:56
Speaker
turkey. It's $20. So you can get a really nice size turkey and that's a lot of protein. um So what we've, I know I can only speak to the last year, but I know the philosophy behind doing that was so that we weren't just providing one meal. we were providing multiple days worth of meals that a family could have that could
00:21:19
Speaker
last yeah for that time. Yeah. and And I know food, bake, the Rockies does a great job just sourcing what they can to to help. Um, and yeah, meet those needs. Um, and for, and how does Adams County use opera, uh, opportunities like operation field bird, uh, free bird to also, uh, build those relationships through the community. Cause again, you're doing this year round.
00:21:41
Speaker
Um, how is this like a good way to really start those relationships? Um, I think that there's sometimes new agencies that open up in the community that we may not be aware of.
00:21:55
Speaker
And so when they see things like operation free bird or like the back to school event, um, things like that through social media, they reach out to see how they can support. And so I think it connects them not only in the community, but to people needing that specific help.
00:22:09
Speaker
yeah Um, and like you mentioned, it's something different. you know, if you work in an office all day long, you know, they're out in the community and they're able to do something a little bit differently. um And I think it's like you guys touched upon some of that giving back as well.
00:22:22
Speaker
um
00:22:25
Speaker
Yeah, no, it it it's important to, to, and as we mentioned, just those resources, its just not, yeah, it's a one day event, but it's a way to connect people throughout, you know, the whole year and, and throughout their, um, their time either in Adams County living here or doing their business here.
00:22:41
Speaker
So for both of you, ah what does community engagement look like to you beyond just these one day style events and keeping that connection? How do you keep that connection throughout, throughout the year and and make it cyclical?
00:22:56
Speaker
I can go first if you like. So Human Services, I'm part of the community engagement and presence team. And so we're out in the community year round. um We have certain sites that we're set up. ah We have partnerships with like some other community agencies where we go.
00:23:09
Speaker
um and I think just building that collaboration with different folks and so that they don't necessarily have to come to Human Services if they're looking for something. um So we try to overcome some of those barriers that people may face um and trying to get the help that they need.
00:23:24
Speaker
um And then it's just something different, you know, like events like this or some of the bigger ones. It's just fun, you know, just being out in the community and that's it. And so it does kind of refill your cup and remind you of why you're doing this work, you know, yeah um especially in tough times so that, you know, you kind of just keep going and get the help to the people that need it.
00:23:42
Speaker
Yeah. and And speaking of that too, you know, a lot of people bring their families out too, to show, Hey, you know, to show gratitude for what you do have in your own life and and also helping those who are are in need as well. Cause yeah, I've, I've seen some of our partners bring out their, their spouses, their kids to help out with set up and variety stuff to her. Just getting everybody involved and and giving back is awesome to see.
00:24:07
Speaker
What about for you, Nicole? So just use, you know, not just having one day events, but how do you use these things as like a launching point to create those yeah ongoing relationships? Well, you know, this is a great event for all of those first time volunteers to kind of just get a little bit of the taste of, you know, the volunteering bug or giving back bug.
00:24:25
Speaker
And so we really, um we like to capitalize on that to then say, yes, we're toward the end of our season sort of when we talk about events, but to say, we're leaving you with such a good feeling.
00:24:37
Speaker
So when I come back around in like May and June, yeah. You're going to want to find a way to work with us for all of our events that we have coming up. So, you know, we have ah an annual fishing festival that happens every June and that's turned into a huge event um where we, we work with a lot of community businesses to, to,
00:24:58
Speaker
um get donations to put into the gift bags, the sheriff, this is his, his baby. um And he wants to make sure that everybody that leaves that event walks away with something, whether you want a prize, the grand prize for the biggest fish, or, you know, whether all you did was just, you know, cast a line. He wants to make sure that you walk away with something and had a good time.
00:25:20
Speaker
um And so this helps us to kind of just get people interested in working with the sheriff's office Um, and whether they don't come back and work with us and they continue to work with Adams County or they work with both of us, I, that to me is fantastic.
00:25:35
Speaker
Um, and then on the volunteer side, um, we have a lot of our staff this year has been fantastic where they've wanted to get involved with us, um, and come and support us at events. And you can see,
00:25:48
Speaker
the The change from a deputy who came out at the beginning of the year so then, and they've been at a couple of events to all of a sudden they're coming to, they want to sign up for every single event that we have that fits with their schedule.
00:26:01
Speaker
They're smiling. They're having a good time. You see them interacting with kids. yeah And so you get to see this other side of them that, I would have not normally seen because I always see him at like booking at the jail. Right. Or, um at the courthouse in a very different capacity where they have to be very serious, you know? yeah So they it's great.
00:26:21
Speaker
yeah And it's a chance to, to, to share about, you know we have so many different nuances in our various departments and agencies, but share about what you do uh, and, and, you know share your excitement and ah for that. Now on the flip side though, for both of you, as people and deeply involved in community outreach, what are some of the challenges you see in reaching those in, in the most need?
Challenges and Planning for Large-Scale Events
00:26:41
Speaker
Sometimes you just don't know where they are. um I think because the the county can change so fast. The landscape can change so fast. You can go from all of a sudden one year in this particular area, there were um there wasn't any development to the next year. Now everything's being redeveloped. So those the ah families have been displaced um or now you have an influx of families. So that is a is a is a big change from year to year is finding where the need is.
00:27:11
Speaker
um We generally, those who have come to our events, they they will reach out and they will say, oh, okay, I know this event is coming up.
00:27:22
Speaker
Or they get to the point where they don't need then and the service anymore, but they are helping us spread the word. We have had quite a few people this year at community events come up and say,
00:27:33
Speaker
I remember you guys gave me a turkey a couple years ago. It was so great. Is that event happening again? Yes, it is. Well, don't need one, but i know ah family in need. So it helps that helps that connection helps us to find those families.
00:27:49
Speaker
Yeah. and And what about if you just some challenges that you see and and connecting to those that need the most? um I would agree with Nicole said. And the county is big. And so if you don't have transportation, you know, to get to Mountain States to where we hold it, then sometimes that's it. And, um you know, if something you're planning on going and something happens the day before the event or the day of the event, you're just not able to make it, then trying to find it.
00:28:12
Speaker
And there aren't a lot of other ah resources like Operation Freebird that help with the Thanksgiving meal. And so I think we're just limited in what we can do as well. Yeah. And that was always in the planning stages, just kind of that logistical question of where can we hold it to accommodate the most people, but obviously, but put it somewhere where people can get there either through you know public transit or, know, with their own vehicles or locally to where maybe they can, hopefully they're close to where they can even walk if need be. But yeah, I think the logistics was always just like the first thing like, how can we get it to those that we really want to make sure it can access these resources?
00:28:48
Speaker
Now, speaking a little bit about that, what does it look like behind the scenes to organize a large event like Operation Freebird? um it's a It's a big lift, yeah um but we wouldn't be able to do it without a really awesome team. um And I have to actually give all the credit to the folks that came before me, Sherman being one of them.
00:29:11
Speaker
Carla's been doing this for a while. You guys left me with a fantastic framework to work with. Yeah. um Where it can pretty much from year to year, you guys have got it to a point where maybe we just have to make a small tweak, right? We we noticed a bottleneck or in the line or, you know, we noticed that, um you know, how we were distributing. We didn't have enough hole punchers for the wristbands, you know, ah the minor things yeah to where um the vent just continues to,
00:29:46
Speaker
operate very smoothly. um And that, that actually leads into those vendors wanting to, and the volunteers wanting to work with us because when it goes easy and smooth, they're like, well, this was fantastic.
00:29:58
Speaker
yeah Nothing blew up. Right. and nothing Nothing did not show up. No, like I don't say that and everything gets jinxed. Right. But you know, they, they look at it and they're like, that was the easiest event that I've ever worked for. So I'm walking away without a headache. I'm actually walking away feeling fantastic about it.
00:30:15
Speaker
Yeah, that's totally the goal is to not make it harder on the volunteers and the vendors is to make them want to keep coming back. But yeah. And what about for you, Carla? What's it like for you on the, on the behind the scenes?
00:30:27
Speaker
Um, I would say, I think sometimes people don't realize that we start planning this event in like April or May. yeah And so sometimes it's concurrent with other events that may be hosted in the community or that we're hosting at human services. Um, so sometimes juggling those, uh, can be a challenge at times, but I love it. I love all the events that I'm part of. I love this event. Um, and I'm glad to be a part of it.
00:30:48
Speaker
No, we appreciate you ah huge resources. and and Nicole mentioned me, but I, same thing. I just picked up the torch and I had amazing people i ahead of me to show me the ropes. And honestly, i wouldn't want to forget anybody. There's too many to mention who were a part of the previous 18, 17 free birds before I got involved. But They all did amazing work to get us where we're at too. And just, I was very lucky um to receive their knowledge and and help to get me to where I was. So I can then just add my two cents in.
00:31:18
Speaker
but is like a Let's give a quick shout out to the founders. yeah I'm not sure who they were, but if you're listening, yeah thank you very much. And you shared a story recently about...
00:31:30
Speaker
um, how, when you guys had the turkeys and the families had registered for it and they didn't show up, we actually had deputies like delivering in the very beginning. Yeah. It was kind of a localized event where even like the deputies who worked those areas are Oh yeah. know, they'd kind of get the list and they'd go out and they'd deliver the ones that didn't make it. It's fantastic. And we've had people who, you know, they, for whatever, you know, various needs, but they've mentioned like, could you guys do deliveries like you used to? I'm like, now it's grown so much. So it just,
00:31:56
Speaker
We we cant physically cannot do that. We just don't have the personnel time. just It's such a large event where we everything has to remain on on site. But we wish we could. But, yeah, having that type of service involved in that closeness originally is amazing. And, yeah.
00:32:10
Speaker
And I know um it you know this started under Sheriff Dar. There was a whole bunch of people who brought it to to his attention. and And it was just a big lift for a huge group of people at the time to get it where it is now and and all in between. they They all did amazing work.
00:32:24
Speaker
Um, but yeah, it's like behind the scenes, it's like a quiet chaos and organized chaos. Like, you know, us and the team, we're like, Oh man, this person showed up late in this, this, this. But my goal is always, if nobody attending or the vendors, if they don't know, then it's a huge win.
00:32:39
Speaker
Like I I'm sitting there, you know, we've got all our maps and our sheets and things are wrong and I'm freaking out, but yeah nobody else knows. I'm like, all right, you know, it's not that big of deal. would say there's probably a little bit of sweating coming around this time just to make sure that we can,
00:32:53
Speaker
cover the cost. Um, you know, every year the cost of things kind of goes up. Um, and we also want to serve way more families. So, um, that would probably be like our biggest kind of behind the scenes stress right now is just making sure that we have enough money raised.
00:33:10
Speaker
yeah and The team does a great job of reaching out to local businesses. We have a huge sponsor in Mountain States Toyota who every year just gives upon gives upon gives. And so, um and we have new partners that are,
00:33:27
Speaker
finding us and wanting to donate. And so, um, we'll get there. Yeah. We're just a little bit shy. um but, uh, just continuing that effort of finding those donors to help us cover the costs because some may not know, but, um, to run an event like this, just to get the food boxes and the turkeys were right around $34,000.
00:33:49
Speaker
Um, so it's, it's a lot to just raise for that. And that doesn't kind of account for any of the incidentals that might come up as far as signage or, yeah um and so we, we do a lot of like, please. And will you be so kind?
00:34:05
Speaker
and yeah calling in every favor that we possibly could to, you know, aside from steel. but yeah Yeah. Yeah. We don't want to that. don't want to do that. But yeah, we're very lucky to have so many good businesses here and and locally in Adams County that do contribute and participate. And yeah, we're always looking for more. So if you know want to come out with your crews and and and and help um as we wrap up here, just a couple more questions.
Future Goals and Engagement
00:34:28
Speaker
What do you hope people take away from their experience at Operation Freebird, either participating or attending? um And, and yeah, what, what do you, what do you hope that they walk away with at the end of the day?
00:34:40
Speaker
A smile. Yeah. um And like a, just a sense of peace too, because they might really be stressing about what are they going to do. yeah um And I know a lot of people, they line up early because they just want to make sure that they have some food.
00:34:55
Speaker
um And it just, maybe that sense of calm and peace, like this piece is taken care of for you. You're going to have so many other things to worry about. But maybe just this one piece.
00:35:08
Speaker
What about you, Carla? What do you hope people walk away with? I would agree. And I hope that they just feel um that there's help out there and that they don't have to do it all on their own. um And it's okay, you know, to attend the event that there's no judgment or anything absolutely like that, you know, just come out, have a good time and that's it.
00:35:27
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. And it's great seeing too, like our volunteers, but we'll even have, you know, our deputies or personnel that swing by their help in carrying boxes to people's cars. There's just, yeah, we're all collectively in it together. So it's always amazing to see.
00:35:38
Speaker
We've mentioned some of the year round events that you have going on. How can people get involved with, with you and your team? ah So we partner a lot with some of the community partners that we have within our building. um So right now we have partnered with Be The Source for our North Pole event. and So we're looking for sponsors and donors for that event so that we can hand out some additional toys to kids and family this year. Do you have an email or phone number you'd like to give out for people can reach out to be part of that?
00:36:07
Speaker
Yeah, so I can give my email if you'd like. Go for it. It's K-O-J-E-D-A at Adams County, C-O dot G-O-V. Awesome. So it doesn't go to an inbox that just sits and is empty. It right to Carla. so Definitely. right right to the Right to the source.
00:36:25
Speaker
Awesome. so you know, just encompassing this year, um yeah know, we hope people ah can come out and attend, get there early. we've We've mentioned that we've had people who camp out outside the fence as early as ah four or five in the morning. um You know, and unfortunately last handful of years we have run out just because we can't project who's going to show up. um The team does a great job just getting the word out there.
00:36:47
Speaker
And um so we try, as you mentioned, try to get as much stuff on site as we possibly can. And so, you know, we will be doing it while supplies last. So, you know, if you'd like to attend or you know somebody who would like to be there or could utilize the resources, please get there early. So ah any last words for anybody or anything you'd like to share about this event or others?
00:37:10
Speaker
Just a big thank you. You know, it takes a lot to put this on. It's a big ask of our community to help out others um because there are so, especially right now, there are so many organizations that are asking for help. And so to those who have given or those who will be giving or even just thinking of giving, thank you.
00:37:29
Speaker
um It means a great deal. um not Not just to us, but it means a great deal to the person that's walk away with either food or that turkey. Yeah. Definitely.
00:37:40
Speaker
I'd give a shout out to all the community partners and vendors that are in vendor alley because they give up a Saturday to be here and help the community, which I know they don't mind at all. But like Nicole mentioned, they're giving up their time to help others.
00:37:51
Speaker
Yeah. yeah And I'll throw my hat there too. Yeah. And I appreciate everybody from both ah human services and other county partners and the sheriff's office who are also giving their time to be there and participate too. So it's, it's a huge lift and we're all in it together. But again, it's to, we're all a part of this community together in some form or fashion.
00:38:09
Speaker
Well, with that, we hope to see everybody on November 22nd, Operation Freebird at Mountain States Toyota at 70th and Broadway. ah From ah our hearts, yours, we hope that you're able to make it so we can see you, see those smiles and provide some resources.
00:38:25
Speaker
And then for our regular listeners, or if you're new to the show, you follow us on YouTube or any of the major social medias, and you can reach out to us at community connections at Adam sheriff co.gov. If you have any questions or have any feedback for the show until next time. Thank you.