THE MARCO ISLAND POLICE & FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENTS DONATE BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO CHILDREN IN NEED.

Members of the Marco Island Police and Fire Rescue Departments donated 36 backpacks (all fully stocked with school supplies), along with extra school supplies to the Collier County Shelter for Abused Women and Children. The Shelter, which provides services to Marco Island residents and visitors, assists more then 1,100 child victims and survivors of domestic violence through safety, intervention, and direct support annually. The project was spearheaded by Marco Island Police School Resource Officer Al Schettino and Marco Island Fire-Rescue Captain Dave Batiato.

This was the third year for our backpack initiative, and we are excited to top last year’s level of donations. For the past three years both departments have donated over 90 backpacks all fully stocked with school supplies. As public professionals, we are happy we can assist the Shelter in providing children with the tools they need to learn and be successful.