Cops help Bulldog Quik-Snak raise money for local troops overseas

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

From left, back row: Ofc Crowder, Chief DiYorio, Inv. Paz, Reanna, Lt. Gantt, Catlyn, Sgt. Williamson, Cpl. Lane. Front row: Lilly, Kylie, Javianna. Submitted photo

'Food and Order' was the unofficial motto Thursday evening (and not in that order) at the Bulldog Quik-Snak in Boiling Springs, as the Boiling Springs Police Department served patrons, acting as waiters and bussers for several hours while raising money to support our troops overseas.

The special event's purpose was to raise funds to buy gifts for local military personnel overseas for the holidays.

Parking was congested up and down that section of N. Main Street in Boiling Springs, and the Bulldog Quik-Snak was packed full of people there to offer their support. (continued below)

Police Chief Brian DiYario said the idea came about when he learned a couple of local residents, former graduates of Crest High School, were going to be away for Christmas. Madison McSwain Eaker, owner of Bulldog Quik-Snak and her mother Carmen McSwain wanted to do something special to raise money to send supplies to them and the personnel in their unit, to ease the homesickness of being away for the holidays.

“This is a great opportunity for us to engage with everyone in the community; for us to come together,” explained Chief DiYorio. “We care about our veterans and our current military members keeping us free, so this was the perfect idea to do something special for them.”

Christmas cards were also set up in the Quik-Snak for people to sign, as another warm greeting from back home for soldiers overseas.

(Cops and waiters story continued below local advertising...)

DiYorio was really thankful and amazed at how many people turned out for the event, stating “Lieutenant (Jonathan) Gantt took about 20 phone calls before the event, so we were hoping and expecting a good crowd, but nothing like this – this goes beyond any expectation and we’re very thankful and appreciative of the turnout to support our troops.”

DiYorio also noted they limited their help to food delivery, cleaning tables and some little things, but didn’t want to scare away the customers by attempting to cook, adding, “I can put the ice in cups and deliver food, but we’re leaving the professional work to the employees.”

Customers complimented the officers on their waiter skills. “They should do this all the time, they’re good at this,” said Dan Ledbetter.

“I’ve been pleased with their service and it’s so nice that they are doing this for a good cause,” added Ginger Rogers.

Lt. Gantt took a moment away from helping customers to speak with The Shelby Independent. He was glad to be able to volunteer and hopes the local military members overseas can have a little better Christmas now while being away from home.

“I think this is great,” said Gantt. “It’s for a really good cause and this will make a positive impact on the community. We appreciate Chief DiYorio for all his efforts.”

Arms and elbows stayed busy as officers worked alongside the Bulldog Quik-Snak staff as they brought food out to tables, refilled drinks and cleaned tables.

“I couldn't do this every day,” said one officer that didn’t want to be identified. “This is hard work, and it makes you appreciate the men and women in the food service industry that wait on us as customers, that before we get there and after we leave, they keep going to the next, and I just respect what they do and glad that they’re here and to help contribute for this good cause; it really means a lot to a lot of people.”

Boiling Springs Town Manager Zach Parker was there with family and was gracious enough to take time to comment on this good cause.

“To serve and give back to the community is something Boiling Springs likes to do, and so much of policing is all about the community, and that includes supporting our local residents that are in the military and overseas.” Parker said Boiling Springs has the most professional and top-rated police officers, but he jokingly declined to comment on their skills as waiters, but noted their hearts were in the right place. "We have the best people right here, in Boiling Springs. We're thankful for that."

“We’re excited to support our troops,” said co-owner Carmen McSwain. “The officers jumped right in and started helping, and were quick learners and we really appreciate them helping out.”

DiYorio told The Independent they raised over $1,000 for gifts and supplies to send to local troops overseas.

The Bulldog Quik-Snak is located at 131 N Main St, Boiling Springs, N.C.    

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.