The Illinois State Police is co-hosting community events with faith-based organizations around the state this weekend during National Faith & Blue weekend.
Faith & Blue is a nationwide initiative formed to try to create safer, stronger, and more just communities by building partnerships between law enforcement and faith-based organizations. The overall goal of the initiative aims to reinforce police-community relations.
Faith & Blue community events include, but are not limited to, blood drives, replenishing food banks and collecting other needed items, prescription drug take-backs, and trunk or treat. Activities vary by location with many offering games, food, and safety education.
In southern Illinois, events are planned for Cairo and Odin on Saturday, Marion and Effingham on Sunday and Mt. Carmel on October 27.