A Passion for Service to Others

Glorious Elliott shares Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s passion for being of service to others.

Elliott, a chief probation/parole officer in district 1, was asked in early January by Judicial District Manager Ray Griggs to serve as chairperson for school supplies drive as part of the State Employee’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance Program on January 17.

“During this holiday, it has been asked that we celebrate it by having state employees give back to counties affected by the flood,” Elliott wrote in a letter to fellow co-workers in District 1. “We have been asked to donate school supplies so those in Raleigh can distribute these items to those who are less fortunate that we are.” She was referring to last fall’s extensive flooding in eastern North Carolina.

The response to her appeal was impressive. The outpouring of generosity from District 1 staff was so overwhelming that Elliott found that the weight of the donated supplies exceeded the capabilities of courier service to Raleigh.

As an alternative to shipping the items, they were kept in the local community and donated to schools in the Edenton area. School officials in the area were very pleased to receive the supplies.

Correctional officers help troopers restock Teddy Bear supplies

 Correctional officers at Johnston Correctional Institution donated 40 teddy bears to the North Carolina Highway Patrol in late December. Troopers carry stuffed animals in their cars to comfort children who are victims of vehicle crashes and other traumatic events.

Pictured, left to right, are: Master Trooper Braswell, Sgt. J.L. Gaskins, Superintendent Hall, Master Trooper D.H. Kenan, Master Trooper J.S. Partin, Johnston Correctional Sgt. William Herring and Master Trooper G.H. Fryar.

 Johnston Correctional Institution Superintendent Joseph Hall said troopers contacted him in early December informing him that the Johnston detachment was in need of some new stuffed animals. Correctional officers responded to the call by organizing a Teddy Bear Drive during the month of December. Bears were purchased and donated by staff at the Johnston County prison.

“We know these bears will bring a smile upon a child at a time when the child might need it most,” said Trooper Dwight Braswell of the Smithfield Highway Patrol Office.

Correction secretary Alvin Keller said, “This is a superb example of members of two agencies supporting their common goal of public safety.”