Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff's Association Steps Up for Local Kids

5 minutes ago
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When a longtime community partner could no longer sponsor Worcester's annual backpack drive, the Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff's Association stepped up to make sure the tradition, and its support for local children, didn't disappear. After 508 Forever Young was unable to sponsor the event this year, the Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff's Association (WCRDSA) took over the effort, working with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office to organize the Backpacks & Bright Futures campaign.

The results were substantial. The August 12 fundraiser at Off The Rails in Worcester generated nearly $10,000, allowing the Reserve Deputy Sheriff's Association to purchase more than 1,000 backpacks and school supplies for children throughout the Greater Worcester area. Those supplies are being distributed to students at 10 Worcester schools before the start of the school year.

The Reserve Deputy Sheriff's Association didn't simply participate, it stepped forward when there was a void to fill. The organization describes its mission as providing resources for the health, educational, social welfare, civic, and public-safety needs of Worcester County, and this year's backpack campaign is a strong example of that mission in action.

Volunteer law enforcement service doesn't stop at patrol or public-safety duties. Reserves can become powerful community partners, responding when needs arise and using their networks and resources to make a tangible difference. In Worcester County, the Reserve Deputy Sheriff's Association saw an important community tradition at risk of disappearing for a year—and stepped up to keep it going.