The Racine Police Department and its officers are valued community partners for Racine Lutheran High School (RLHS). Following the recent, tragic death of a Milwaukee police officer, RLHS faculty member Paul Tuskowski suggested the school show gratitude to our local officers in the form of gift bags. The staff and students embraced the idea and scheduled a special all-school fundraiser on Valentine’s Day. Donations of nearly $800 funded the initiative, which was named Support Blue Care Packages.

More than 185 gift bags were filled and delivered to the Racine Police Department. Each bag contained hand sanitizer, facial tissue, gum, sunflower seeds, mixed nuts, Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, lip balm, and granola bars. Every officer received a student’s hand-written note that included one of following Bible verses:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle. He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, and in whom I take refuge. (Psalm 144:1-2)

“We want to show support for the work that is being done by the Racine Police Department to keep our community safe, especially given unfortunate recent events in Milwaukee and around the country. Many of our alumni, as well as parents of students, serve us through careers in law enforcement,” reports Tuskowski, “We pray for the safety of all the officers and recognize their importance to city.”