Building Community Bonds: Tacoma Police Department's Kids Health and Safety Fair
The Tacoma Police Department's 2nd annual Kids Health and Safety Fair was a heartwarming event that brought together over 4,000 community members. The fair, held at the East Side Community Center, offered a wide range of resources and activities for families.
"This event is a testament to the strength of our community," Mayor Victoria Woodards said. "It shows what we can achieve when we come together to support our children and families." The fair was a major success, providing essential resources to families while fostering positive relationships between the community and law enforcement.
The Kids Health and Safety Fair addressed a critical need in the community: ensuring that children have the necessary resources to succeed in school. Council Member Sandesh Sadalge, who represents the East Side, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "District Four, the east side, right here, is one of the most under-resourced districts in the entire city." The fair provided backpacks filled with supplies, helping students prepare for the upcoming school year.
The fair's impact extended beyond school supplies. It offered various health services, including haircuts, physicals, dental check-ups, and eye exams, ensuring that children's well-being was prioritized. Additionally, the event fostered a sense of community and connection. Bervin Smith, the Community Engagement Senior Manager with the Tacoma Police Department, emphasized the importance of building positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. He stated, "We need to show ourselves as being part of the community, providing services that make people safe."
"We are committed to building positive relationships with our community, and events like this are a great way to do that," Police Chief Avery Moore said. The fair offered school supplies, haircuts, eye exams, delicious food, and more. Council Member Sandesh Sadalge said the event was important because it provided essential resources to families in need. "It's important, you know, people need to eat. You know, they need water, and this is just how you entice them to see all the other services that are available," he said.
The Tacoma Police Department's Kids Health and Safety Fair was a shining example of the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations come together to support their community. By providing essential resources and fostering positive relationships, the event made a significant difference in the lives of Tacoma's children and families. "I just want to show people that these officers do care," Bervin Smith said. "A lot of these officers here are volunteering and helping today because they want to be here."
