Local college student Ian McKenna donated 500 “Street Survival Kit” backpacks to the Cleveland Police Community Policing Division on August 18. The donation was made at the Division’s Bureau of Community Policing.
The Cleveland Police Foundation assisted in coordinating the connection between Ian, a student at Dartmouth College and Chagrin Falls native. “Earlier this summer Ian reached out to The Cleveland Police Foundation. He wanted to create a program that would assist Cleveland Police Officers in better connecting with the community,” said Rick DeChant, Cleveland Police Foundation Executive Director. “The initiative he came up with was to create a street survival kit backpack that officers on patrol could directly distribute to people in need they might come across while on duty. Our role was to connect Ian with The Cleveland Division of Police. We were proud to do so.”
Ian himself raised the $15,000 for the backpacks and supplies. The backpacks contained items such as energy bars, toiletry items, water bottles and other items to assist those in need. With the assistance of officers from the Division of Community Policing and The Cleveland Police Auxiliary, one hundred backpacks were distributed by Ian, his brother Peter, and Community Policing to each of Cleveland’s five police districts. Officers in each district will then be able to have them in their zone cars to distribute to those in need. Outstanding job, Ian!!
Homeless Survival Kit Fundraiser Conclusion
By Ian McKenna
This summer I set out to run a half marathon to fundraise and build homeless survival kits. I partnered with the Cleveland Police Foundation for this project. Our vision was to create “survival kit” backpacks for officers to hand out as they see fit while on duty. This project would not only help provide relief to homeless individuals but also create positive interactions between officers and their community – a win win!
Thanks to your generosity, the project turned out to be a tremendous success! With support from over 60 donors, we created 500 survival kits and purchased bonus homeless winter items. The five Cleveland police districts received 100 bags in August and have begun distribution.