WHAT: Coins For K-9 kick-off
WHEN: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11
WHERE: Lely Elementary School, 8125 Lely Cultural Parkway
SYNOPSIS: The Collier County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit will present a rousing demonstration to Lely Elementary School fifth-grade students Wednesday to help kick off the second annual “Coins For K-9” fundraiser.
Over the next several weeks students will be placing their spare change in “Coins For K-9” jars at various locations in the school.
The demonstration will show students how CCSO dogs fight crime. The unit’s German shepherds are trained to do everything from tracking suspects to carrying out search and rescue operations.
The goal is to raise enough money to buy at least one vest to replace one that has worn out. A K-9 vest can cost up to $700.
The fundraising drive was organized by Youth Relations Bureau Cpl. Sean Libbey and fifth-grade teacher Andee Reisig.
CCSO dogs are exposed to dangerous situations, and the vests provide them with much-needed protection. The vests not only shield the dogs from bullets, but from other risks, like being stabbed.
Members of the media wishing to attend the K-9 demonstration must contact Lely Elementary School in advance at 377-7500.
