Beyond the Badge Foundation Supports Students with 4000 Schoolbags

In a heartwarming initiative, members of the Beyond the Badge Foundation traded their law enforcement uniforms for casual attire on Saturday to support local students in need. The foundation, in collaboration with the Lydia Harris Missionary Society of Mt. Giboa AME Church, organized an event to pack and distribute school supplies, ensuring that thousands of children are prepared for their first day of school. Jessica Owens, a volunteer, expressed her gratitude as she helped pack 300 backpacks for Hillcrest Elementary School in Catonsville. "A lot of kids don't have backpacks," she noted, emphasizing the importance of providing these essential items to students. This year, the Beyond the Badge Foundation achieved a remarkable milestone by packing nearly 4,300 backpacks, a testament to the community's commitment to supporting its youth. Lt. Lance Bergersen of the Howard County Police Department, who co-founded the Beyond the Badge Foundation in 2015, highlighted the organization's mission to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community. "As they grow, that relationship between our youth and our police departments stays strong," he stated, underscoring the importance of community engagement. The packed backpacks are now ready for delivery, with volunteers loading them into trucks and cars to ensure that children receive them in time for the school year. This initiative not only provides necessary supplies but also fosters a sense of community and support among families in Baltimore.