Wal-Mart Makes Donation to North Plainfield Police Department

Chief William G. Parenti announced that Wal-Mart of Watchung New Jersey presented a check to the North Plainfield Police Department for $1,000.00. Wal-Mart Manager Brenda Jarrell, informed us of the civic grant this morning. Wal-Mart has a program that encourages, through financial assistance “Safe Neighborhood Heroes.” Wal-Mart felt the work we are doing with the youth of North Plainfield qualified for the funds.

"We certainly appreciate Wal-Mart’s generosity in promoting our youth programs. Teaching children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol is vitally important. Working together with the business community, we can create a safer future for our kids," Chief William G. Parenti said.

The funds will be used in our Community Policing Office to provide items needed for the various youth programs run each year. Those programs include DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), instructed to all 5th grade students, with an abbreviated presentation to 3rd graders and high school students, GREAT (Gang Resistance Education And Training) program taught to all 3rd & 7th grade students. Items are also needed for the various school fairs, bicycle rodeos, safety classes, and child identity kits given away each year.

One of the main programs run is STEP (Summer Teen Evening Program) operated each summer. It began because we wanted to provide the Borough’s youth with a safe environment and an alternative to hanging out on the street for the summer. Pickup basketball games, soccer, and movies are the main activities, and refreshments are provided when funds permit.

"Thank you Wal-Mart, we are grateful to have a local business care enough to donate funds to assist our youth programs," Chief William G. Parenti said.

Wal-Mart Manager Brenda Jarrell can be reached at 908-756-1925 Ext 184.