Community helps OPP keep County children warm this winter

Constables Anthony Mann and Kim Guthrie with volunteer Barb Sills, surrounded by some of the 159 cheerful packages of new winter clothing to help keep Prince Edward County children warm this winter.

There are 159 Prince Edward County children who will be warmer this winter thanks to the generosity of the community and the work of the Prince Edward OPP.
Donations to the 25th annual Adopt A Child program allowed new snowsuits, hats, mittens and boots to be packaged up for distribution this weekend to children aged 12 and under.

“This is due completely to the generosity of our community and a few corporate sponsors,” says Kim Guthrie, PEC OPP community services officer. “This year’s need was higher in the County and greater than last year in all the police service areas. Registrations were up by almost 1,200 in the Quinte area.”

Registration for the program was held in September to assist low-income and working families in need of assistance. The Adopt A Child program works with other agencies to ensure there is no duplication of services so that all children will be looked after. The Childrens’ Aid Society Christmas Angel Program, for example, helps look after children up to age 16.

“We’re seeing new people, some with big families and some people who are recently unemployed, or have sickness in the family and they need the help. Some people are feeling embarrassed or ashamed and they shouldn’t. It’s a good feeling to be helping these families.”

Local police agencies (Central Hastings OPP, Napanee OPP, Prince Edward OPP, Stirling-Rawdon Police and the Belleville Police Services) join forces with Quinte Broadcasting and a core group of volunteers to help keep children warm.

“Barb Sills has been a volunteer with us for the past 10 years, organizing, packaging and helping to distribute the clothing,” says Guthrie. “We couldn’t do it without dedicated volunteers like her.”

Also assisting this year is constable Anthony Mann who will soon take over from Guthrie as the County’s community services officer.  Guthrie will return to regular policing duties.

“We have a room full of donations and it’s gratifying to see the children come in and pick up their warm coat,” said Guthrie.