A group of Immokalee children living on Sanders Pines Circle are now ready to go back to school, thanks to the initiative of three Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies.Sgt. Steven Dodson, Cpl. Stephen Blackwell and Cpl. Maria Raley visited the kids living at the Sanders Pines housing complex on Aug. 14. The deputies didn’t come empty handed.
Sgt. Dodson, Cpl. Blackwell and Cpl. Raley, who are members of CCSO’s Immokalee Focus Team, pooled their own money to purchase school supplies, which they gave to the children. The kids also received CCSO Frisbees, beach balls and stickers as well as free ICEE drink coupons offered through the Operation Chill program.
“The reaction of the kids and feedback is priceless,” said Sgt. Dodson. “Giving back to the community is something we all take pride in and the appreciation received from the kids far outweighs any costs.”
This was the first time the deputies donated school supplies to the kids at Sanders Pines. A few years ago, Cpl. Raley implemented a Christmas toy drive with the Immokalee deputies working the afternoon shift. The deputies decided to also do something to help kids receive the necessary supplies to succeed in school.
Photos submitted by Sgt. Steven Dodson/CCSO (3)
