The Chapala municipal police force have used a monetary donation from the expatriate community to purchase six boxes of apples to distribute to local children as part of the annual Three Kings Day celebration.
Operation Apple got underway early Monday, January 5 when two uniformed officers made their way to the pier and malecon in Chapala. Given the unseasonably cold weather, however, few children were to be seen. A lively discussion unfolded when a group of enthusiastic vendors and visitors began asking the officers what was unfolding. 
When the officers explained the plan, one of the men commented that they were all once children themselves. A fun exchange ensued and led to a golden opportunity to kick off the project. Apples were gladly provided to each of the individuals, who joined with the police to record the incident on film.
From there, the officers wandered around the pier and vendor areas, handing out an apple to each child they met, along with the greeting “Feliz Dia de Reyes.”
Later in the morning they changed location, moving to Avenida Francisco I. Madero, where families were out enjoying the day. The officers continued to greet children and give them apples.
One of the involved officers, who has three children at home, felt that the initiative provided the police with a great opportunity to interact with the community in a non-traditional way. Although it is universally accepted that police are necessary in society to promote the peace and tranquility needed for societies to flourish and enjoy life, their interactions with the public are not always pleasant, a reality that most people recognize.
The Apple Initiative is set to wrap up on Friday, when apples will be handed out to school children in the community. The final box of 100 apples will be shared between the orphanages in the Chapala area.
Submitted by Doug Ransom