The United Way of Northeast Michigan and Alpena Public Schools (APS) are partnering on a program to allow law enforcement officers in our community either on or off duty to visit any APS school during breakfast or lunch service to join students to eat and receive a complimentary meal. APS Communications Director Lee Fitzpatrick said, “We want to show support and appreciation for our partners in law enforcement and provide locations across Alpena County for a quick break and a meal. The cost of meals will be covered by private donations to a fund set up with the United Way as public schools are prohibited by law from donating the cost of meals for adults. Anyone interested in supporting this project can contact Joe Gentry of the United Way of Northeast Michigan (989) 354 2221 or jgentry@unitedwaynemi.org
. Tax deductible donations can be made online at
https://www.unitedwaynemi.org/
or with a check made payable to the United Way of Northeast Michigan “Eat on the Beat”. “Just as we do with our liaison officer program, we want to build positive, trusting relationships between our students and the officers/troopers/deputies that serve our community”, said Fitzpatrick. “We are thankful for the partnership of United Way of Northeast Michigan to make this project possible”, he added.