CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Police Department is inching toward its goal in its K-9s for Crestview fundraising campaign, coordinator Officer Sam Kimmons said.
After a fundraiser coupled with a public information table outside Publix Monday morning, the campaign was just $4,201 away from the $30,000 goal.
“You can almost see the dog hair on his uniform,” Kimmons said jokingly as Officer Jerad Mullinnix accepted donations outside the Publix grocery store Monday morning.
Mullinnix is one of the officers who has expressed interest in becoming one of the department’s two new dog handlers, and has worked on his off-duty hours to help raise money to reconstitute the K-9 unit.
As resident Kathy Morrow stuffed a $20 bill into one of the donation jugs, Mullinnix said he was gratified to see residents donate toward the effort.
“It’s nice to see how much public support we receive,” he said.
“I think police dogs are awesome,” Morrow said. “My daughter helped raise money for dogs in her hometown, so here’s mine.”
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH VOLUNTEERS
Giveaways on the information table included gun locks, car first aid kits, pens, key rings, and information on bicycle safety, installing child safety seats and bullying.
The most popular giveaways among shoppers’ children were stuffed animals donated by Wal-Mart.
Several members of the Midtown Neighborhood Watch program also volunteered to help staff the table, share information about police services and greet shoppers.
“I just can’t believe the outpouring,” member Luke Sheplock said. “The people are so generous. I’ve seen 5’s, 10’s, 20’s going into the buckets. It’s unbelievable.”
“Our buckets are filling up quick,” Kimmons said. “The folks coming up to put money in the jugs is awesome.”
“And believe me, we packed them down,” Mullinnix said as another donation landed near the top of one of the jugs.
The day’s take was $884, Kimmons said.
Kimmons said several area businesses have recently pledged money toward the K-9 campaign. He is anticipating checks from CHELCO and Trustmark Bank, he said.
The volunteers praised Crestview business leaders, including Publix Manager Tim Bryant, for supporting the police department’s efforts in programs including the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, as well as the K-9s fundraiser.
“Publix is a great community supporter,” Kimmons said.
WANT TO HELP?
The Crestview Police Department welcomes donations toward reconstituting its K-9 unit. Donation checks may be made payable to the Crestview Police Department Auxiliary. For information, contact Officer Sam Kimmons at 305-7831 or kimmonss@crestviewpd.org.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: K-9 campaign nears goal: "You can almost see the dog hair on his uniform" (VIDEO)