SPRINGFIELD — On Monday December 7th, the Springfield Police Department in conjunction with 364 Gives, the charitable foundation of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) Local 364 Springfield Patrolman’s Union, began its “Week of 364 Giving”.
Through various efforts 364 Gives, Springfield Police Officers and Supervisors raised more than $22,500 to donate to several organizations in our community during the holiday season. Each day this week, members of the Springfield Patrolman’s Union IBPO Local 364 and the Springfield Police Department will make significant financial donations to a number of local organizations.
“Each year we host our golf tournament to honor the memory of Officer Kevin Ambrose and in turn raise money for some of the organizations Kevin and his family feel strongly about. This year we continued the tradition in Kevin’s memory and will be able to really help some worthwhile organizations. Our officers really stepped up in difficult times this year and I’m proud of what we will be able to give back to our community,” said IBPO Local 364 President and Springfield Police Officer Joseph Gentile.
“This year has been difficult on everyone and I cannot say enough positive things about our Springfield Police Officers who showed up to work each day. Their dedication and hard-work often goes unnoticed. On top of that, our officers and 364 Gives do an incredible job to raise money throughout the year to support local organizations. Our officers take pride in their work and take pride in our community”, said Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
Last month more than 100 Springfield Police Officers and Supervisors took part in No-Shave November to raise cancer awareness. In doing so, the officers and Supervisors raised more than $6000 which will be donated to two local organizations. On Monday, a $3055 donation was made to Suit-Up Springfield outside their office on Worthington Street and Commissioner Clapprood and members of the IBPO Local 364 got a tour of Suit-Up Springfield as well.
Chris Martin, President of Suit-Up Springfield stated, “What an honor to receive this contribution from the hard working men and women of the Springfield Police Department who work day in and day out to keep us safe. These resources will be put to good use as we continue to provide professional attire to men in need in our community that can be the impetus of them gaining employment and self-confidence. Officers know first-hand the importance of how one presents themselves through dress, as they always have to have their uniforms squared away, clean and presentable. We teach men how to also present their best selves through showing them how to properly adorn the suit we give them and any suit they have in the future.”
Follow the Springfield Police Department on Facebook to see the various donations and surprises throughout the week.
Since its creation in 2011, 364 Gives has donated nearly $150,000 to various organizations in our community.
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