CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Police Department held a school supply giveaway at Warriors Hall on Friday morning.
The department gave away between $500 and $600 worth of supplies donated by the community during a recent supply drive. The supplies were gone within the first 15 minutes of the event.
“We knew it was a real need in our community,” said Interim Chief of Police Lisa Sprague. “We know that some families need supplies more than others. It’s just our way of giving back to those who need it.”
The event was the idea of community service officer Wanda Hulion, who said she couldn’t have done it without the help of the community and city leaders.
“I have been a parent on hard times in the past and I know how tough it gets this time of year,” Hulion said. “I wanted to help the community out like I was when I was raising kids.”
Hulion’s job is to protect and serve. The school supply giveaway was just one way for her to do that job.
“I’m all about my community and Crestview,” Hulion said. “I was born and raised here.”
School supplies were not the only thing given away during the event. Children were also able to receive a pair of tactical duty boots. The boots had originally been donated for law enforcement in the area after Hurricane Michael hit.
Parents were also able to bring their children to get free back-to-school haircuts, courtesy of Hub City Barbers. The barbershop had six barbers on hand giving kids fresh cuts for their first day of school.
“We know (haircut prices) can be quite cumbersome on people with children,” Sprague said.
This was the first year that the police department held the giveaway event, but the success of it already has Hulion looking forward to next year.
“Next year I am going to let the alumni from our citizen’s academy run with the drive,” Hulion said. “Hopefully, next time we’ll have more school supplies so we can help more people.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Poilce Department gives back to community