ECSD takes first in Bowl for Kids Sake
For the eighth time in nine years, Elkhart County Sheriff's Department employees raised the most money among local law enforcement agencies during Big Brothers Big Sisters' Bowl for Kids Sake event.

Officers, staff, family and friends turned in more than $1,300 in pledges and enjoyed a couple of games at Signature Lanes in March. Police agencies from the area participated to benefit Big Brothers, an organization that continues to do great work for the community even during times of economic uncertainty. To donate or volunteer, call (574) 875-1039 for more information.

During the season of giving, ECSD does its part
Employees with the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department, in addition to their personal efforts, also volunteer their time to ring bells for Salvation Army. This year, about two dozen officers and staff braved single-digit cold Dec. 10 to help the Red Kettle campaign.

Also, officers continued the tradition of Shop with a Cop. Sponsored by the Goshen Fraternal Order of Police, 20 sheriff's department officers and about 20 from other area agencies took less privileged kids, whose families have been hit hard by economic or social difficulties, for a night of shopping at Wal-Mart and a pizza party. This year, ECSD worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Elkhart County and iFit: Individuals and Families in Transition to pair officers with kids.

Second Kids and Cops at the Cove a big hit
SOUTH BEND — A tradition continued Aug. 1, as law enforcement and corrections officers volunteered their time and spent it with kids needing a positive experience.

Kids and Cops at the Cove, in its second year, paired Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department officers with kids participating in programs at Faith Mission of Elkhart, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Elkhart County, LaCasa of Goshen, and the Women’s Shelter. They saw the Silver Hawks play Peoria in minor league baseball at Coveleski Stadium.

In all, 40 children spent time with officers at the game.

“This year, it was especially important for us to reach families needing a lift in these tough economic times,” Sheriff Mike Books said. “We are grateful for the services offered by groups like Faith Mission, LaCasa and others, and this is our opportunity as a department to give a little extra to the community where we serve and live.”

Cardinal Buses Inc. of Middlebury, Sullivan Group of Nappanee, and the Silver Hawks assisted the sheriff’s department with the Kids and Cops event.