Local children raised more than $2,000 for hurricane victims, while McGruff the Crime Dog raises awareness for personal safety
At last week’s council meeting, Mayor Joann Gattinelli recognized the four children of Washington Township who organized a bake sale and lemonade stand to raise donations for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. McGruff the Crime Dog was also sworn in as an honorary member of the Washington Township Police Department to spread crime awareness and personal safety to the residents and youth of the community.
When residents Faith Antell, 7, Luke Ridgeway, 8, and his sisters Kit, 7, and Becca, 6, heard of the devastating damage done by category four Hurricane Harvey in late August, they were committed to show the victims their support. Originally, the children wanted to donate their clothing and toys, but quickly realized that would not be enough. They then took to their street in the township’s Wedgewood community on Sept. 8, 9 and 10 for three hours each day, with baked goods, lemonade and iced tea to raise funds for the Red Cross Hurricane Relief efforts.
According to Gattinelli, Hurricane Harvey’s path of destruction resulted in the loss of 76 lives and between $70 million and $100 million in damages. Gattinelli said the “superstar citizens and future leaders of tomorrow” were able to raise more than $2,000 through their weekend sales for those suffering in Texas, with friends, family and neighbors contributing to their cause.
“Kids these days, we see them on their iPads and phones, but they do hear, they absorb and they see what’s going on in the world,” Gattinelli said. “For them to take it upon themselves to do that, it goes to show their parents are very much involved in their lives and they show them how to support others. I think that is fantastic.”
Gattinelli presented Faith, Luke, Kit and Becca with a proclamation at the Oct. 11 meeting, recognizing their efforts, dedication and demonstration of “no matter how old you are, anyone can make a difference.”
Gattinelli also assisted Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik and the council in swearing in the police department’s newest member, McGruff the Crime Dog. According to Gurcsik, the big, brown mascot dressed in a detective’s trench coat was purchased through drug forfeiture money with the purpose of increased crime awareness and personal safety.
“McGruff will help toward our mission of community policing, community caretaking and community outreach programs,” Gurcsik said.
McGruff will be making appearances at three upcoming Trunk or Treat events in Washington Lake Park, Whitman Square Firehouse on Fries Mill Road, and Rainbow Gymnastics. Trick-or-treaters may also spot McGruff on Halloween night, Oct. 31, in a decorated police car handing out candy to township children. Throughout the year, the crime dog will also be stopping by the Washington Township public schools on occasion.
