Spencer, Iowa — Several area law enforcement agencies have raised money towards a new therapeutic camp for kids to be built in O’Brien County.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and this year, area law enforcement raised over $3,500 for Camp Autumn in the “Cops for Camp Campaign”.
Camp Autumn is a therapeutic day camp for kids ages 4-21 opening in June in O’Brien County.
Nine law enforcement agencies participated in the Cops for Camp Campaign to help fund scholarships for incoming campers. Agencies included: The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, Sheldon Police Department, Sioux Center Police Department, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Park Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Police Department, and the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office.
The CEO and President of Seasons Center, Kim Scorza says that they are extremely fortunate to have such a positive working relationship with law enforcement throughout their area.
The winning agency, The Spencer Police Department, raised over $300 and were awarded a traveling “Cops for Camp ‘canoe paddle'” trophy for their efforts.
In addition, the Spencer Police Department through their association also donated an additional $3,000 for camp supplies.
Scorza says that law enforcement often times see the worst that humanity has to offer. She says when children see their parents getting arrested for committing a crime, many times, in the child’s eyes, the cops are the bad guys. She says that by partnering with law enforcement in this way they can spread the word to the children and families they serve that law enforcement officers really care about children and family well-being.
For more information on the event or services provided by Seasons, Autumn’s Center, and Camp Autumn, you can visit www.seasonscenter.org or call 800-242-5101.
