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Volunteering and Community Service has been the focus of The Traffic Squad since its inception nearly 100 years ago. Although times and needs have changed, the desire of members of our community to serve fortunately hasn’t. Many of the projects The Squad was involved with in the past are no longer relevant and new ones have taken their place.
Today, the Community Services Unit is actively involved with the Department’s Community Policing Unit’s annual Shop With A Sheriff program. With the help of local schools, churches and agencies, this project locates over 100 needy children in the community who may not “have a Christmas”. This program provides a $100 gift card each child and the experience of shopping with a deputy to purchase clothes, personal items and gifts for themselves and their family. The funds come from private, community and business donations.
Methany, the animated dinosaur, has been used for several years through West Michigan to promote child safety and DARE programs. Methany was recently completely “re-skinned” by technicians at Disney World and is back in service by members of The Traffic Squad and the Department.
The Community Services Unit has also been active with Community Child Watch and continues to participate in the project as needed.
In 2009, the unit had its inaugural Christmas In July, which raised funds to provide personal items for the residents of the Michigan Veterans Home here in Grand Rapids.
The unit has several other projects that support various activities by raising funds and/or being involved with the project activities and functions. We continue to review anjd consider new projects as they are presented.
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