The Apache Junction Police Department was visited recently by volunteers from Thank You AZ Blue.

The organization, made up of pro-law-enforcement people from all over the Phoenix metropolitan area, dropped of nearly 100 appreciation gift bags for AJPD staff. Each bag contained a variety of snacks, coupons, hand sanitizer/disinfectant, a hand-written card and a decorative hand-painted rock, according to a release.

Prior to coming to AJPD, Thank You AZ Blue had already given away more than 7,000 gift bags. According to the president and founder, Kimberly Hofbauer, the group intends to give a bag to every officer, trooper and deputy in the state of Arizona. They intend to bring a smile to Arizona law-enforcement officers “one blue bag at a time,” according to the group’s Facebook page.

“We started the organization because we wanted every officer to know that the work they do is appreciated,” Ms. Hofbauer said in the release. “With all the negative press that law enforcement has received over the past year we just want the men and women who do this job every day to know that we support them and we know how difficult the job is.”

According to Ms. Hofbauer, Thank You AZ Blue has hundreds of like-minded volunteers who help make the huge endeavor possible. They work long hours writing cards, painting rocks and stuffing bags. In addition to their volunteers, Thank You AZ Blue has obtained several corporate sponsors including FX Tactical, ABD Signs and Printing, West Valley Wellness Center, Firehouse Subs in Surprise, Bio-One, Philthy Phils Automotive, Blue Line Homes, Upcut Woodworks and Sound Creations.

“On behalf of the staff here at AJPD I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Thank You AZ Blue and all their sponsors for this touching gesture,” Apache Junction Police Chief Thomas E. Kelly said in the release. “The men and women of Apache of Apache Junction Police Department continue to serve our community and each individual they contact with the respect and dignity they deserve. Much of the work our staff does here every day is extremely arduous and sometimes very dangerous. Their work often goes unnoticed so when an organization like Thank You AZ Blue comes along it is truly appreciated.”