Police to hand out kits as part of RBHS PTO Martin Luther King service projects.
On Wednesday, January 17, 2018, Riverside Police announced they are partnering with Riverside Brookfield High School PTO in distributing survival kits for the homeless.
Riverside Brookfield High School PTO put together these survival kits as part of a Martin Luther King Day of service, which took place January 15. The kits are basic survival kits that help the homeless and Riverside Police officers will carry these kits in squads as part of their patrol duties.
The kits include gloves, hats, scarves, socks, hand and foot warmers, soap, toothpaste, nonperishable food items and many other items needed daily.
Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel said his agency was contacted by Christine Kawiecki from RBHS PTO, and she asked if Riverside Police would be willing to participate in a Martin Luther King Day of Service project to hand out survival kits to homeless people when they encountered any homeless during their work day. Weitzel said Riverside Police would participate and their squad cars will be equipped with the survival kits. When a Riverside officer is called to assist someone who is currently homeless, officers will try to provide them with shelter and other social services and will give them these survival kits prepared by Riverside Brookfield PTO.
Said Chief Weitzel, “What an outstanding, compassionate service provided by Riverside Brookfield High School PTO. My officers are honored to participate in this program. My officers will give these kits to people who truly need them. I thank Ms. Kawiecki for this precious gift - she's truly giving back to our community and we’re thankful she offered us an opportunity to participate in this project.”