PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

August 29, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Police Pay-it-Forward Program Brings Smiles, Helps Kids Prepare for School

SALT LAKE CITY — This weekend, the Salt Lake City Police Department hosted its 5^th annual Police Pay-it-Forward ‘Back-to-School’ event.

Working with the Salt Lake City School District, 30 students from Rose Park Elementary and Backman Elementary were selected to connect with police officers to shop for school supplies and clothing.

SLC Schools identified the children as those who would benefit from the experience.

“Our Pay-it-Forward events are the largest events we hold and our officers always look forward to participating in them,” said Chief Mike Brown. “These events are always so fun. We are grateful for the partnership with the Salt Lake City School District to connect and build positive relationships with the future of our communities. These small moments between our officers and children strengthen trust and make memories to last a lifetime.”

After arriving in a school bus, the children were paired up with an officer and sat down to eat breakfast donated by the Sugarhouse Chick-fil-A.

Before heading into Target for their shopping spree, the children received a backpack filled with school supplies, donated by Essendant.

The SLCPD Police Pay-it-Forward program provides school-aged children with the opportunity to partner with a police officer to shop for school supplies in August and holiday gifts in December. Funds for the program are collected through donations from the Salt Lake City Police Foundation, SLCPD department members, as well as community organizations and businesses. We would like to thank our SLCPD professional staff, SLCPD Police Explorers and the following organizations for their continued support of this event: Salt Lake City Police Foundation, Salt Lake City Police Mutual Aid Association (PMAA), Salt Lake City School District, Target, Chick-fil-A, and Essendant.

Several photos and b-roll are being released from the event.

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