Gainesville Police Trying To Keep Kids Out Of Trouble
Published August 18th, 2012
GAINESVILLE - Just like a man, the way to a community's hear may be through their stomach.
Which is why Gainesville police sponsored a free, pool-side barbecue on Saturday.
More than 300 families came to attend the "Operation Respect Yourself" event at Westside Park.
Events like these not only encourage kids to engage in positive activity but it also builds a relationship between public officials and the community, says Cpt. Lonnie Scott of the Gainesville Police Department.
"This is our effort to show the public, and really the kids more than anything else that we are partners with them in becoming productive citizens," Scott said.
But the city and the police weren't the only ones lending a hand.
Janet Armstrong from Greater Fort Clarke Missionary Baptist Church says, "We partnered with them, as in giving away school supplies for the children. We had enough for 150 children to give away back packs."
Teens such as Tony Jackson are grateful for the collaboration.
"It keeps you out of trouble during the summer," Jackson said.
