Have you hugged your local police officers lately?

It is no secret that the world has been in a state of chaos lately. The problem is the more we see on television and in the news, the more it seems lines divide us and perpetuate strong opinions and perceptions on either side. The biggest concern is unfortunately a couple of bad police officers have created an environment in this county where our good police officers are now put in danger. When bad things happen, these are the people that will help us. If hate crimes on both sides keep occurring who will be there to help us and our children? Who would be left? I saw this photo on a friends’ Facebook page she came across in OC the other day: It was something I had been considering to do for an ISP Challenge for our kids. Two years abo when I first started ISP I was told that when kids make cards for police officers in my hometown in Orange County, they put them in their cars on the dash as the work during the day. Whether this is true or not, I am certain they would right now as a reminder why they do what they do and yes – we do care.    

This month’s challenge: Law Enforcement Appreciation

It’s this simple – find a summer day when ideas on activities are low and make some cards for your local police station. Anywhere in the country – they need them right now from as many kids and families as possible. A simple hour of cards and crafts that will make huge impact in the hearts of those that probably need it most right now. Supplies:

1. Paper
2. Crayons

Instructions:

1. Send an email out to friends to have a play date or gathering one day to make some cards or crafts as gifts to your local law enforcement officers
2. Have kids of all ages draw pictures and words of appreciation to their local policemen and women.
3. Gather and take with your kids to your local police station or go with the group of kids and drop them off.

*Remember – do not bring food or packages to the station as these things could send off alerts. Cards are sufficient.   Idea Box: FOR ADULTS: See a policeman in line behind you at Starbucks or sitting in a restaurant across from you. If you have some spare change, treat them to that coffee or meal. If not, tell them thank you as you pass by, just as we do for our military. Anything that shows we are behind them and show our appreciation to them and their families for what they do each and every day. We are here to support those in our community that are in need. Sometimes those people are the homeless, the elderly, the sick. Sometimes, it is someone that may not have been so obvious a year ago.  That is what ISP does with our kids to teach them compassion, leadership and kindness. It is my hope that you can find an hour this month wherever you live in the states to show those that help us when we need it most that we support them.