The participants in Operation Giving Hope which took place on August 25, 2016, would like to express a sincere thank you to the many generous contributors to the project. We are still compiling our numbers, but because of the contributions made by so many of you, the team deployed to an east side hotel and:
- Registered 12 children for MMSD and 9 children for Head Start (21 total children registered)
- Provided 99 new backpacks stocked with school supplies for the year to children of all ages.
- Provided 75 bus passes
- Provided 85 gift cards for food, groceries and gas
- Provided Toiletries, Laundry soap, kids winter coats, lots of kids shoes (the 2 cases of brand new girl's shoes in all sizes were a BIG hit-from an anonymous donor), and diapers, diapers, diapers. Clothes for all genders and ages were provided.
The team was also able to supplement 3 families' stays who were waiting for monies or out of funds.
In all, 55 families were served, 8 Human Trafficking victims were identified, at least 20 families completed an initial screening for housing, 9 individuals had in-person meetings with BadgerCare professionals, and the team members received many, many heartfelt smiles, tears, hugs, and thanks. Once again, the overriding themes expressed were not only thanks for the items provided, but the hope that was received knowing someone out there cared about their situation and came to offer help.
In addition to Madison Police Department personnel, the following groups collaborated to collect, organize, and deploy the resources necessary for this event:
Project Respect, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation, Neighborhood Intervention Program (Dane County Human Services), Madison Metropolitan School District, Dane County Human Services: Economic Support Division, Early Head Start, 5 Stones (non-profit agency to raise awareness of human trafficking), Members of the faith based community, Retired Madison Police Personnel, and Community Volunteers.
Original blog on this initiative: http://www.cityofmadison.com/police/chief/blog/?Id=10553