North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU), which consists of 27 churches of various denominations, in cooperation with the Florissant Police Department, kicked off their sixth year of the Summons of Joy Program on Monday, Dec. 14.

Despite the pandemic crisis this year, NCCU still received enough funding from churches and members to launch another program this year. Because of these donations, NCCU was able to buy 40, $100 gift cards and give them to the Florissant Police Department to pass out to those people they stop for minor traffic violations.

Instead of giving tickets, the officers give warnings and gift cards during the Christmas season. During the last six years NCCU has donated $34,000 to the Florissant Police Department in an effort to improve its relations with the community, especially with African-Americans.

NCCU President Rance Thomas, said “this year was unique because due to the restriction on attendance of members in our churches, this resulted in fewer donations to these churches. But a number of individuals from our churches stepped up and donated to ensure a successful program once again. In fact, one individual donated $1,000, which was a first for our program.”

Those churches who donated in spite of the conditions we are experiencing consisted of John Knox Presbyterian Church, Florissant Presbyterian Church, Church of the Master UCC, St.

Ferdinand Catholic Church, Lutheran Church of the Atonement, and even First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson.

This program was implemented following the Michael Brown killing and the riots in the City of Ferguson in 2014. It is a means of improving the relations between the police and the community. This is especially true with improving relations with the African-American community due to the many demonstrations and riots this year concerning police behavior.

As we have heard, some individuals have called for defunding of the police. Therefore, it is very important for the police to continue to participate in this program.