12/15/11 Nine years ago, Plymouth Police Officer Bridget Hite set out to do two things. The first was to gather needed items for the children in the community who lacked the necessary winter protection and second, to show the community that the police are there to serve wherever they can. As she drove around town on patrol, Hite noticed day after day that kids were walking and standing on snow covered sidewalks with nothing but wet shoes on.
Now, the Boots for the Bus Stop project collects and distributes some 200 pairs of snow boots to kids in the community every year.
Hite said, “It’s always better to interact with people with a positive, rather than with a negative.”
“For the past four or five years, we have been getting lists of sizes that are needed from the school counselors making it easier to know we are getting the exact boots that are needed,” Hite said.
Hite said she is extremely grateful for the support of local businesses that either give monetary gifts or purchase snow boots. She said, “We partner with stores in the shopping centers who give us discounts so our money goes farther.”
Hite said, “This winter is particularly difficult because of the failing economy.” She added, “Some people who have helped us with donations in the past now find they are unable to buy for their own children.” She continued, “I’m asking for extra donations because the need is growing.”
Anyone wanting to donate to the project can drop off new or gently used boots at the police station on Washington Street. She said they will also gladly accept monetary donation as well.
