About five-to-six families swung by Saturday afternoon and made generous donations to the first annual “Pack the Ambulance” in Becker.
The event was hosted by the Becker Police Defenders Program and Officer Johnathan Batterberry spent his day off, accepting the donations and “packing” them into the ambulance. Toys, games, puzzles and non-perishable food items were collected.
Batterberry’s helpers were his daughter, Noelani and CentraCare EMT, Yvette Forsman.
The Defenders program is a non-profit organization launched by the Becker Police Dept. three years ago that accepts donations in an effort to give back to the community and bring officers and citizens closer together.
The goal of Saturday’s “Pack the Ambulance” event was to pack an entire CentraCare Emergency Services Ambulance with toys to give as gifts to families in need - and with donations of food to help local families enjoy the holidays.
Free coffee and hot chocolate was made available to the individuals and families who arrived to donate on a cold, freshly-snowed day in the parking lot of Becker Baptist Church.
The Defenders organization is also an avid supporter of the Becker Police Reserve Program who assist the police department by volunteering to attend many local community events. Donations to the Defenders organization are tax-deductible.
For those still willing to donate to the Defenders during this holiday season, contributions can be made at the Starcor Credit Union located at 14267 Bank St. in Becker.
