Cram the Cruiser initiative looking to collect more supplies this year

BOWLING GREEN Ky.-Cram the Cruiser is a law enforcement initiative that seeks to provide local students with school supplies. While every school year brings new challenges, 2020 is going to be completely different from years past, which is why Kentucky State Police are ready to reach more communities.

“This year, it’s even more important in 2020. There’s going to be a lot of instances where students can’t share the supplies at school where they used to. They’re going to need even more supplies, so we wanted to broaden the program out and reach new counties, “ Kentucky State Police Trooper Daniel Priddy said.

Allen and Butler counties are new on the radar this year. On July 24, the 14th annual Cram the Cruiser event will take place at Dollar General in Chalybeate, and Family Dollar in Brownsville.

Cram the Cruiser brings in a wide array of supplies, which is going to expand even further this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“You’re going to have kids learning from home, and the supplies that we need have changed a little. We’re going to need hand sanitizer, headphones to plug up to laptops and tablets for school programs,” Priddy said.

While the need is dire, those in law enforcement say there’s no feeling like branching out to the community.

“Kids can enjoy it. They can put school supplies in the cruiser. They can walk up and hang out with us. It’s a good time, and a good way to interact with our community,” Priddy said.

Even the smallest of supplies can go a long way.

“These school supplies a lot of times ensure that these kids can be successful throughout the school year. We try to make it big, that way it can last them all year,” Priddy said.

Cram the Cruiser will be held on August 7 in Butler County, and August 13 in Allen County.