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Wisconsin Dells Kops for Kids program receives donation from Mile Bluff By Amanda Emery
The Kops for Kids organization has been in existence for about 20 years, but in 2007 it was restructured and now serves children in the Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton school district only. In the past three years, the program has brought holiday joy to an estimated 500 children who are in need of items such as clothing, toys and food. Lake Delton police officer, Kristi Seidl, heads up this volunteer organization, and she explains, “About three years ago, the program shifted from serving all of Sauk County, to being just a partnership between the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton police departments. Each holiday season, families with children who are 12 years old or younger, can pick up a form from one of the police departments and fill it out - sort of like a wish list of items their child(ren) could use. We then ask the community for these specific donations.” She continued, “Another way we are able to provide the items that have been requested, is by accepting monetary contributions. Those donations are then used to purchase items off the list that have not already been given.”
All the work that is done for the Kops for Kids organization is done by 50 to 60 individuals who volunteer their time and/or make monetary contributions. For Officer Seidl, it is time well spent. “When I first started in law enforcement, I thought that it would be a good experience to be a part of. Sixteen years ago, I started as a volunteer just to help. Since the program was restructured, I have stepped into taking the program over, along with Lieutenant Brian Landers of the Wisconsin Dells Police Department. The best part of the entire thing, is watching those little faces when they see ‘Santa’ and get their presents. It is very much worth it, knowing that I helped bring the magic of the Christmas season to these kids who probably wouldn’t be receiving anything if it weren’t for the generosity of our volunteers and donors.”
Currently, the Kops for Kids program operates on a year-to-year budget that relies heavily on donors - like Mile Bluff Medical Center. Officer Seidl explains, “We would like to have some ‘extra’ funds to carry over each year, or in case we have a request at a time of the year other than the holiday season. Unfortunately, as of right now, we don’t have that in place.” She continued to explain, “Hopefully it will be different this year, thanks in part to the donation made by Mile Bluff. I really appreciate everything that the medical center has done for us. We, as an organization, understand that with the tough economic times we live in, it isn’t feasible for everyone who would like to make a donation to do so. The money that Mile Bluff has donated to us will go a long way within our program!”
Fundraising efforts for the 2010 holiday season for the Wisconsin Dells Kops for Kids are currently underway. If you would like further information or would like to donate, visit http://www.wdkopsforkids.com/ today.
Photo Caption: Doctor Kim Sabey (Mile Bluff - Delton Family Medical Center) presents officer Kristi Seidl (Wisconsin Dells Kops for Kids) with a donation on behalf of the medical center’s annual healthy family fun run/walk event.
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, May 7, 2011 5th Annual Healthy Family Fun Run/Walk at Mile Bluff – Delton Family Medical Center Watch for details! |
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Mile Bluff Medical Center/ 1050 Division St./ Mauston, WI 53948 / 608 847 6161 Mile Bluff Medical Center, 1050 Division Street, Mauston, WI 53948 608 847 6161 or Toll free in WI at 800 252 4377 © 2008 Mile Bluff Medical Center |
This past May, there
was a record turn-out crowd for the fourth annual Mile Bluff - Delton Family
Medical Center Healthy Family Fun Run/Walk. Due, in part, to the increased
participation, Mile Bluff was able to make a $1,000 donation to the Wisconsin
Dells Kops for Kids program.