Students from the Kent State East Liverpool physical therapist assistant program observed National PTA Month by making monetary donations to two causes.
The PTA students raised $500 through fundraisers this semester and chose to present $250 to the East Liverpool City Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program, as well as to VALOR Retreat.
Each year, PTA students from the Kent East Liverpool campus find unique ways to increase awareness about their field, while raising funds for a cause chosen by the class.
The Shop with a Cop program pairs local law enforcement officers with area youth to help shop for Christmas gifts. The program not only provides families with help for the holidays, but also builds goodwill between the officers and community members.
The VALOR Retreat is a recreational facility being built in the Hocking Hills area for combat veterans and their families, as well as Gold Star families. The name represents Veterans Are Loved, Owed, Respected.
The retreat sits on a 197-acre private reserve and will include four handicap-accessible cabins and a lodge, providing a tranquil environment for veterans to recover from the ravages of conflict and reconnect with nature, their families and each other.
Students from the Kent State East Liverpool physical therapist assistant program gathered to present a check to East Liverpool Police Officers Jim Krawiec and Justin Watkins for the Shop with a Cop program, while also noting their donation to the VALOR Retreat.
The PTA students included Alexis Ariemiea, Olive Busson, Samantha Croskey, Kameron DuPonty, Sydney Durbin, Elyse Fincham, Allison Forbes, Matt Lubonovic, Marissa Macaluso, Corey Saluga, Briana Spalding, Adria Stelluto, Jade Strohl, Justin Sweeney, Logan Tonkovich, Nick Adkins, Jeremy Barton, Brandon Blystone, Sydni Bowker, Cassidy Concato, Skylar Fletcher, Emily Glenz, Shelby Jewell, Jayla Martin, John Seifert and Mallory Ullom.