Taking Care of the Community

Taking Care of the Community

Since the Association's earliest days, CCPOA has made commitment to community a top priority, and through the organization's individual chapters, the members contribute their time and money to many local causes, reaching out to support others in their communities.

Recently, the CCPOA Folsom Chapter received some positive press when the chapter presented a contribution check to the nearby Folsom High School Marching Band and Color Guard.

It all started when Folsom High School student Jessica Lawson discussed the budget cuts that had impacted the marching band with her parents - both Folsom correctional officers and active CCPOA members. They suggested she contact the chapter officials and attend a couple of chapter meetings to see if they could help with fundraising.

Explaining Folsom's charitable contributions policy, Chapter President Scott Lamphere said, "Basically, if someone asks, and if we have the funds, we try to support any worthwhile cause," adding, "But this year, we really wanted to give to the community."

After Jessica attended the chapter meetings, she asked the chapter if they could somehow assist her marching band, requesting a donation of $250, which was the usual contribution limit set by the Folsom Chapter board.

However, in a surprising turn, the board approved a check for $1,000 - by far the largest amount ever given to a single charitable organization.

"Though we have a set limit of $250 for donations, we felt this was different in light of the budget cuts, so we wanted to help as much as we could without breaking the bank," Lamphere stated.

Since taking the helm of the Folsom Chapter in January 2007, Lamphere says the chapter has contributed between $8,000 and $10,000 to local charitable causes - and plans to continue such participation in the future.

Other groups the Folsom Chapter has assisted include the Cub Scouts, Little League, softball and rugby teams, the Lyons Club, and Folsom Parks and Recreation.

The activity the Folsom Chapter is most proud to support is the Shriners Hospital for Kids - a cause they assist annually. "Officer K. Bacchi has taken up this cause and has done a great job supporting them. We've just tried to be there to support her," said Lamphere.

Kudos to Lamphere and the entire Folsom Chapter for setting such a great example of positive, charitable support - especially in these tough economic times.

• volume 26 issue 6