On August 11, Crime Watch Volunteers Karen Harp, Denise Anderson and Terry Fultz fit bike helmets for fourteen kids who live in the trailer park in the 2000 block of Broadway Avenue.
While preparing for National Night Out, Crime Watch learned from the block party host, Patty O'Connor, there were kids in the neighborhood in need of bike helmets. O'Connor not only hosted a block party on August 4th, but then arranged permission from the parents of the neighborhood kids to receive bike helmets from the police department.
Crime Watch provided each child with a bike helmet, which were purchased through grants and generous community donations. Each helmet was sized and fitted to the child with his or her name written inside.
All of the children were very appreciative and promised to wear their helmets. Crime Watch plans to check the neighborhood from time to time and reward kids wearing their new bike helmet with a 7-11 "Operation Chill" free Slurpee coupon.
There are still a few other children who need helmets, so Crime Watch will arrange another fitting very soon.
City of Hoquiam ordinance requires the use of bike helmets for all children under the age of 18.