READING — Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department will wear special uniform patches throughout the month of March in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, and that the department is also offering the patches to community members in exchange for a donation to a local charity.
World Down Syndrome Day is recognized on March 21 each year. It seeks to raise awareness of Down syndrome and to help people better understand and support those who have the genetic condition.
In recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, the Reading Police Department will wear World Down Syndrome Day patches on their uniforms throughout the month of March.
The patches are also available to community members in exchange for a $10 donation to Samantha’s Harvest, a Reading-based non-profit organization that works to raise funds and awareness to improve medical, educational and recreational programming for people of all ages with Down syndrome.
Community members who want to obtain a patch should send a $10 check made out to Samantha’s Harvest along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Reading Police Department, care of Officer Kristen O’Shaughnessy, 15 Union St., Reading, MA 01867. Officer O’Shaughnessy will mail the patch or patches back to those who request them.
All proceeds from the patches will go to Samantha’s Harvest.
“Samantha’s Harvest is a Reading charity that has been doing amazing things for years now and we are pleased we can do this to help support them,” said Chief Clark. “I encourage all residents to learn more about the incredible work being done to support families right here in Reading.”
“We feel incredibly honored that RPD is wearing this patch during the month of March,” said Lisa Gibbs, Co-Founder and Vice President of Samantha’s Harvest. “Samantha’s Harvest, in its 24 years, has had the loyal support of RPD. Samantha is a proud graduate of the RAD Program and has a lot of friends on the force. She loves seeing them around Town!”
To learn more about Samantha’s Harvest, visit: https://samanthasharvest.org/.
