Preparing to give back to others, the Grovetown Police Department hosted its first Cruisin’ for Christmas Car Show on Saturday, Nov. 18, to raise funds for underprivileged children in the community.
By partnering with various businesses and individuals in the county, Grovetown P.D. has worked for the past 18 years with local schools to identify children in need who would most likely not be receiving any Christmas gifts.
“It’s important because we don’t want any child to wake up without something to open on Christmas morning, and then have to go back to school after the holidays and see all the other kids with their new stuff,” said Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens.
Following the fundraising event, officials work with parents and guardians of identified children to establish a “wants” and “needs” list of items, within reason. Utilizing this method, the PD are able to shop for clothing, shoes and any hygiene items then include a gift from the “wants” list.
“We have enjoyed great success and support over the years, but unfortunately we nearly always have more children than available funds,” stated a press release from the police department.
In hopes of fundraising more money than ever before, the department decided to host a car show with a $25 registration fee, which featured free food, a DJ and door prizes. According to Kitchens – the event was an enormous success.
“It’s been a huge turnout and we’ve already passed what we collected last year with donations,” said Kitchens during the event. “I think we’re in the ballpark of surpassing $10,000 … compared to last year’s $3,100, and we’re really excited.”
Thanks to dozens of supporters, donations and car collectors, Kitchens said the department was able to raise over $4,000 through the car show – not counting the donations collected prior to the event.
“Through work like this we also want the community to understand that law enforcement is part of the community. We want to make lives better not only through the enforcement of laws, but through community work like this,” said Kitchens. “We are really trying to bridge gaps.”
To donate to the Grovetown Police Department’s Christmas cause, contact the department’s office at 706-863-1212.
