LMPD delivers turkeys to Louisville families with a Major League surprise

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- LMPD is searching for more than 250 people this weekend, but instead of serving warrants, officers are serving Thanksgiving dinners with a Major League surprise.

The mission started at the Stonybook Kroger and included LMPD Ballard High School graduate and 2017 first-round Major League Baseball draft pick Jo Adell and a lot of thankful families.

"I am Jo Adell, and this is the LMPD," said Adell to a smiling Newburg resident.

"Happy Thanksgiving," said Stephanie Ralston-Bailey, who received a turkey from Adell and police. "We got a whole Thanksgiving dinner!"

Ralston-Bailey said the delivery will put food on the table and take a major concern off her plate.

"I was probably going to have to ask other people, but I don't have to do that now," she said.

Adell and the Louisville Metro Police Foundation formed a partnership to purchase more than 250 turkeys. The families are all in need of a little help for the holidays.

"It'll help a lot ... because right now, I'm struggling a little bit," said Carolyn Simpson, who received a turkey Friday.

The turkeys and gift baskets were put together by staff and students at Newburg Middle School, where Adell's mother is the principal. Right now, Adell divides his time between Louisville and Florida. Bu the said he'd rather be home for the holidays rather than sunny Florida.

"I love to get out in the community and make a difference just anyway that I can do that at home," he said. "I do that at home, because this is where I grew up."

Lt. Drew Wagner has knocked on a lot of doors over the years, but he admits that these visits are his favorite.

"Wouldn't you rather open the door to somebody smiling at you instead of somebody being upset?" Wagner said.

Adell and LMPD will be handing out more turkeys and gift baskets Sunday afternoon as well. All of the families who will receive the turkeys and baskets have been notified.