North Carolina Police and Community Unite to Spread Warmth through “Greg’s Groceries” Food Drive
- FGS NC
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
[Reported by Yu Chuan, North Carolina, USA]
The Raleigh Police Department joined hands with the nonprofit organization Serve & Connect on October 9, 2025, to host the “Greg’s Groceries” food-packing event at Walmart on New Hope Church Road in Raleigh, North Carolina. The initiative aims to support families facing food insecurity, bringing warmth and hope to the community.
Founded in memory of fallen officer Greg Alia, the Greg’s Groceries program was launched by Serve & Connect to continue his legacy of service and strengthen bonds between police officers and the communities they serve. By engaging in acts of giving, the program fosters mutual trust, compassion, and collaboration across neighborhoods.
As a member of the I-CARE (Interfaith Community Ambassadors for Responsive and Engagement), Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina was invited to participate in the event. Under the leadership of Venerable Miao Jou, Venerable Zhi San, North Carolina BLIA Chapter President May Shiue, and three BLIA members joined nearly a hundred volunteers to pack 500 boxes of non-perishable food items—embodying the Fo Guang spirit of compassion and service.
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell attended the event and commended Serve & Connect founder Kassy Alia Ray for her vision. Mayor Cowell noted that Alia Ray established the organization after her husband’s passing in the line of duty, transforming grief into a movement of kindness and healing. She added that with local food bank resources dwindling, city leaders are actively seeking collaborative ways to address the growing issue of food insecurity.
Raleigh Police Department Chief Rico Boyce shared that participants were “not just packing food—but packing hope, dignity, and compassion.” Since its founding in 2017, Greg’s Groceries has partnered with more than 80 police departments nationwide, distributing over 25,000 boxes of food. “This event is about addressing food insecurities, one family at a time, and creating lasting connections between our officers and the people that we serve,” Chief Boyce said.
Kassy Alia Ray, the Founder and CEO of Serve & Connect reflected that sharing her late husband’s story became a path of healing and understanding. “The person who took Greg’s life might have been just another person in need of help,” she said. “Through this program, we hope each food box carries a message of connection, love, and hope—making our communities safer and more compassionate homes for everyone.”
The event drew nearly a hundred volunteers from various agencies and faith communities, who worked side by side with smiles and teamwork to complete 500 food boxes in just one hour. Afterward, Venerable Miao Jou and BLIA members stayed to exchange ideas with other I-CARE religious representatives.
President May Shiue of BLIA North Carolina chapter remarked, “Today’s experience showed how even the smallest act of kindness can ripple into powerful community unity. The collaboration between the Raleigh Police Department and Serve & Connect truly embodies the essence of public service—care and connection.”
