According to Soldotna Police Department Sargent Brennan, this is the 4th year that the members of the Explorer program have helped out for this event. The Explorers started helping Harley Davidson during COVID, when they were having difficulties collecting toys for the Salvation Army.
“So [Harley Davidson] asked if there was a way the explorers could help. So I had our our youth leadership at the time spearheaded the idea of going out and collecting toys for them,” said Brennan.
Since then, the Explorers have helped out every year, gather more and more donations to make to Salvation Army. This year, the Explorers are hoping they can do even bigger.
“And so we’ve actually been able to think we’ve actually raised close to $13,000 worth of toys over the last three years and so we’re hoping this year will be a banner year for us,” said Brennan.
But now bares the question: who are the Explorers? Brennan says that the police explores is a program that is open to anybody in the community that is of high school age, and have an interest in some form of criminal justice. They have instructors from the Soldotna and Kenai Police Department, as well as the Alaska State Troopers. It’s here where they learn about the different levels of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice.
It’s a lot of work, but the Explorers giving back to the community makes this event special.
“The biggest kudos goes to those kids. These are all high school aged kids that have most of them have jobs, they have schools, almost every single one of our kids and our rural kids. So, I mean, they’re all they’re working hard in every aspect and then to take the time to go out and do this as well has just been phenomenal,” said Brennan.
The Explorers will be accepting cash, check, or toy donations until December 3rd. Then all of the shopping will be done, and donated to Harley Davidson, who can then pass the gifts along to Salvation Army.
While the Explores buy gifts for all ages and try to keep things gender neutral, thanks to all the fundraising, they have been able to buy a wider variety of gifts, like LEGOS and Barbies.
Interested in donating? Contact Captain Taylor Andrew at (907) 690-1812 to schedule a pick-up time for your donations!