Plano Police Detective Tony Vidmar has coordinated officers to direct Sunday traffic at St. Andrew United Methodist Church (UMC) in Plano for the last 17 years. When he shared with St. Andrew UMC that four of his fellow officers have COVID-19 and many others are in quarantine, the team at St. Andrew UMC wanted to help.
In response, the Plano church created a new ministry, called Helping Hands, to serve and feed our first responders during the pandemic. The efforts are made possible through donations from church members as well as the partnership of some church members like Dee Lincoln, owner of the restaurant Dee Lincoln Prime in Frisco.
On April 9, Dee Lincoln Prime provided lunch for 90 Plano police officers. After receiving the food, Helping Hands distributed the lunches at the Plano Police Station. Officers came outside to pick up their lunches, expressing thanks for the support and kindness of Dee Lincoln Prime and St. Andrew UMC.
“I am so happy and grateful that this all came together to support my fellow officers, many of whom are on the front lines every day,” said Officer Vidmar.
“St. Andrew has meant so much to my husband and me, and we feel very strongly about the importance of this effort. During this time and especially with it being Holy Week, we decided to completely underwrite the cost of these meals. It was such a joy to be a part of something supporting these officers putting their lives on the line every day, especially during this pandemic,” shared Dee Lincoln.
This week Helping Hands is teaming up with church member Jeff Bergus of Downtown Plano’s Lockhart Smokehouse to serve the emergency room staff at Medical City Plano.
“I’m so very honored to be a part of such a caring congregation and community – all serving as instruments of the Lord’s love and grace,” said St. Andrew UMC Senior Pastor Robert Hasley. “We will get through this together.”
St. Andrew UMC Helping Hands >
