Crestview auto dealership helps families, children in need
CRESTVIEW - The season of giving occurs year-round for one auto dealership. Allen Turner Chevrolet raised $6,650 throughout the year for Crestview Police Department's Cops for Kids program.
The company's 55 employees can voluntarily sign up at the beginning of each year to have payroll deducted for donations, according to owner Allen Turner. Once December comes, the company matches the amount donated by its staff and gives it to the CPD.
Cops for Kids works to bring Christmas gifts to children whose families can't do so. Donation sites throughout town accept toys and monetary contributions for the cause.
This is Allen Turner Chevrolet's second year collaborating with the charity program, which has roots going back about 15 years. Last year, the company raised $6,500 for the cause.
At the time of the dealership's contribution, Police Chief Tony Taylor stated there were about 130 kids already on the list and that number is expected to grow.
"The kids' lives that you touch with this program are incredibly grateful," Taylor said to Turner Wednesday during the check presentation.
Turner said the Cops for Kids program bridges the gap between those willing to donate and those in need.
"We know we want to help, but we don't know how to connect to those that truly need it, and that's what's so wonderful about this program," Turner said after Wednesday's event. "(CPD) is always coming to the rescue."
Not only is the donation beneficial to needy children, but Turner believes the dealership's efforts are two-fold by also helping police officers.
"Police officers don't get the respect they deserve these days," he said. "By doing this, we're not only able to help families and children in need, but we're showing these officers that we care about what they're doing in the community."
He was referring to officers like Sam Kimmons.
"I've been doing this for about eight or nine years. I can't put a finger on which one exactly," Kimmons said, describing his time as a community service officer with the CPD.
Kimmons not only helps collect donations from businesses like Allen Turner Chevrolet, he's also a Santa, of sorts, to the children in the Cops for Kids program-helping to buy and deliver the presents.
"I guess I've never really thought about why I do it," Kimmons said. "It's just what I do," he added with a smile.
The CPD's history with the program goes beyond his time as a service officer according to Kimmons. He said helping with Cops for Kids is a tradition just like any other and it's one he's proud to help continue.
Published by Crestview News Bulletin
