Nearly 80 children were treated to free back-to-school shopping courtesy of the Cape Coral Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 33.
The event, held on August 3rd, allows officers to spend positive one-on-one time with Cape Coral children whose families are experiencing financial struggles and cannot afford to purchase needed school supplies and clothing. This is the first annual event held by the organization which represents active and retired men and women of the Cape Coral Police Department.
For school children of all ages, the program provides participating students with a gift card to Target. Students meet police escorts at the store where they can purchase supplies and other necessities. The program reinforces the ideas of sharing and giving and promotes the idea that role models of all ages are crucial to the development of our youth.
“The success of this event was made possible by the generosity of our citizens,” said Officer Paul Blanchard. “Beyond providing school supplies, the program allows local law enforcement to get to know the community we serve and protect on a daily basis. We are grateful for the support we received and are now working on our annual Christmas shopping trip with the children.”
Photos by TS Gallant Photography