By Charlotte Smith
Saturday may have held the largest Elizabethtown Police Department Kid’s Appreciation Day in years according to event organizer, Lt. Dewayne Cheshire. The thirteenth annual Kid’s Appreciation Day gave law enforcement the opportunity to join forces with other local agencies, businesses and other leaders to give back to the community.
“I think the word has gotten out and we are seeing a better turnout,” Lt. Cheshire said. He added, “We like to do this to build more rapport with the community.”
Chief of Elizabethtown Police Department, Tony Parrish, agreed with Lt. Cheshire.
Chief Parrish said, “The goal for the event is for everyone to have a great time and to give us an opportunity to give back to the community.”
Dublin Peanut Festival Pageant Ambassador Kylee Lugenbell was on the scene dancing and promoting safe communities.
Children of all ages could be seen on the Town Hall’s lawn tossing frisbees with police officers, enjoying sack races, a swing, and a bounce house. Tours with Firefighters and EMTs of the emergency apparatuses on site were offered as well.
Elizabethtown Fire Department, Families First, and Community Collaborative members like Hope for NC and RHA Behavioral Services helped bring excitement to the event offering games and prizes.
Area businesses also assisted by donating products and services. Ace Wrecker participates each year swinging children from their truck.
Store Manager, Brenda Tatum, of the Dollar General in Dublin has been volunteering her services and donating chips and other items for five years.
“It’s really a great thing for the community,” Tatum said.
“We couldn’t do this without our sponsors and supports,” Cheshire said. He listed the sponsors of this year’s event as follows, Walmart, Domino’s ,Melvin’s, Taylor Manufacturing, Campbell Oil, Dollar General, Bladen County Parks and Rec, Carl Newkirk and Mark Gillespie with the Elizabethtown Dixie Youth Baseball, Families First, Ace Towing, and North Carolina Families United/Eastpointe.
According to Chief Parrish the event is held every year on the first Saturday in May from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
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View Video of the event on our YouTube Channel.
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