Cops and Kids fundraising going strong - Dubois County Free Press, Inc.

Deputy Wade Pierce with his partner heading in to go shopping. — Deputy Wade Pierce with his partner heading in to go shopping during the 2014 Cops and Kids event.

Jasper Police Chief Mike Bennett reported donations to the Cops and Kids event have poured in since the announcement was made about the loss of a large donor to the program.

So far about $3,000 of the $7,000 goal has been received through donations from community members and officers taking part in No-Shave November.

“We’ve been getting checks, cash donations,” Bennett said this morning. “The response from the public has been more than we anticipated.”

The annual event helps children enrolled in TRI-CAP’s Head Start program by pairing them up with an officer for a special day of shopping for cloths and toys at the local Walmart. Officers usually have about $100 to spend per child. Last year, 62 children participated in the event.

This year, however, their largest donor, Walmart, was unable to assist the local chapter due to its IRS designation as an 5019(c)8. The international chain only provides support to 501(c)3 organizations.

Here is our story on the shortfall.

To assist in raising funds for the program, Libby’s Gourmet Ice Cream in Jasper is hosting a scavenger hunt this Saturday. All proceeds raised will benefit Cops and Kids. The event starts at 10 a.m. at Libby’s. Participating teams pay $30 for a group of four and single entries are $10. Anyone who registers before Saturday get a free kids size cup of ice cream. The winner of the hunt will get three gallons of homemade ice cream.

Beginning November 15 and continuing through November 21, Mill House is donating a percentage of all restaurant sales to the program.

On Saturday, November 21, to further their cause, officers will hold a cookout in front of Walmart.

Also, Los Bravos has organized a fundraiser at the restaurant for Tuesday, Nov. 24. A portion of the sales from that day will be donated to Cops and Kids. Officers will also show up to help at the restaurant that day.

And on Sunday, Dec. 6, proceeds from the Jasper Knights of Columbus’ monthly barbecue will be given to the department for the cause. The barbecue will be at the club’s hall on 30th Street.

Donations are still being delivered to any local police department or given to an officer. The bills for the program are paid in January so donations can be accepted until then.