Officers with the Picayune Police Department gathered under one roof Wednesday to provide a special luncheon for residents living at the Pines apartments on Kingsway Drive.

The luncheon was made possible through leftover funds raised during the department’s 13^th annual summer camp. The department raised around $8,000 during the camp’s bowl-a-thon fundraiser, where children, volunteers and county officials joined together to bowl for a great cause and raise money to install a handicapped accessible swing in Friendship Park and purchase gift cards and food for residents at the Pines apartments, said Capt. Theresa Milar.

“With the money leftover, we decided to do a lunch here at the Pines,” Milar said.

Before lunch was served, residents heard from several local healthcare representatives, including Kim Hart with the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition who spoke about the dangers of secondhand smoke and speakers from Care One Health and the Towne Pharmacy, who gave out prizes.

Toni Watts, executive director for the Picayune Housing Authority, oversees three public housing facilities, including the Pines, which holds 92 units for the elderly and disabled.

“This luncheon is great for our residents because it allows them to get out and do some socializing,” Watts said. She added that she’s proud to partner with the Picayune Police Department to provide events like the luncheon to their residents.

Picayune officers, including Picayune Police Chief Bryan Dawsey, served food and engaged in conversations with the residents during the luncheon.

“We love this place. These people are always so kind so we wanted to give back to them and thank them,” Dawsey said.

Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri added, “I think it’s a good thing for us to do things like this and interact with the public in order to show them that we care for them and we’re here to help.”

For the past year and a half, Frank Bouderes has called the Pines his home and said he was grateful for the lunch.

“I love it. They did a good job today,” Bouderes said.

On a daily basis, Bouderes assists residents who need help accomplishing everyday tasks such as taking out the trash, said

Delisa Carter, patient care attendant from Oxford Healthcare, who takes care of several residents at the Pines.

“They never get a chance to be together and many of them don’t have anybody. It’s great to see them smile. They’re like my kids,” Carter said.

The Picayune Police Department hopes to continue giving back to the community.