BUNNELL, FL – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League (FCSO PAL) recently received grants from Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis Club and Elks Lodge #2907. Days later, they were able to use the funds to help a local student in need. The Flagler Sheriff’s PAL is a non-profit 501(c)3 youth-serving organization with the cooperative support of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
On December 14th, PAL Coordinator Kerri Henderson and Director Erlandson received a check from the Flagler
Palm Coast Kiwanis Club to help children in need through PAL initiatives. The partnership came about after Kiwanis President Arvid Olson heard Commander Neat speaking about how SRDs have utilized PAL to assist students at their assigned schools. This charitable grant will be used by FCSO SRDs to purchase items for children in need as needed through PAL.
From left to right: PAL Coordinator Kerri Henderson, PAL Director Arthur Erlandson, Kiwanis Treasurer Janet McDonald, and Kiwanis President Arvid Olson
On December 15th, Robert Williams, the Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #2709, with the assistance of its Board
Members presented a check for $1000 to PAL Director Arthur Erlandson. Theresa Cirelli, House Committee Chairman, was instrumental in creating a partnership with PAL which led to this grant. This generous donation will be used to sponsor registration for PAL programs for children who otherwise would not be able to afford to participate.
Elks Board Members, Exalted Ruler Robert Williams (presenting check), PAL Director Arthur Erlandson
On December 16th, School Resource Deputy (SRD) First Class Champion from Flagler Palm Coast High School contacted Director Erlandson. SRD Champion requested to use funds provided by the Kiwanis Club in order to purchase a car seat for a student who needed one to transport her infant child to school. SRD Champion also found out that the student’s family did not have enough beds in their home. PAL was able to purchase a car seat for the student thanks to the generosity of the Kiwanians. PAL coordinated with Bedtops Mattress Clearance Center who donated two twin beds to the student’s family.
Left to right: Keith Raimundo, Bedtops Owner Judy Lemay, “Alex the Mattress”, Rebecca Oshesky, PAL Coordinator Kerri Henderson, and PAL Director Arthur Erlandson
“Thanks to our partnership with these organizations, the student can attend school and sleep more comfortably at night. We would like to thank FPC Kiwanis Club for its support as well as Elks Lodge #2709 for their generous support for the FCSO Police Athletic League initiatives and Bedtops Mattress Clearance Center for their partnerships,” said Sheriff Rick Staly.
Tax-deductible donations to the Flagler Sheriff’s PAL can be made at: https://www.flaglersheriffpal.org/sponsorship or by contacting PAL Coordinator Kerri Henderson at KHenderson@FlaglerSheriff.com.
