Schools throughout the district are lending support to the Vest-A-Cop campaign, the annual fundraiser to help outfit local police officers with bulletproof vests.

This year, 2022, marks the campaign's 32nd year, and it culminates on Monday with a big event at a new location-- downtown Toms River-- which will include raffles, face-painting, cornhole, axe throwing, music, and a chance to watch the Giants/Cowboys game on a big screen. The family-friendly event is sponsored by Autoland and the Grunin Foundation, and in partnership with Toms River Regional Schools.

And it's that partnership that's been manifested this week in numerous fun and engaging ways. At Intermediate South, for example, a modest donation of $1 allowed students to wear pajamas on Friday, a day which included a visit from Beachwood Police Department's Canine Unit. The school was able to donate $374 directly to the Beachwood Police Department. Walnut Street Elementary School hosted a Jeans Day on Thursday with a $5 donation, and students were encouraged to dress as police officers on Friday in honor of Toms River Police Department. And "Hats Off to the TRPD" invited West Dover Elementary families to send in donations allowing children to wear their favorite hat to school.

Students in the Early Learning Center donated $1 to color a special vest-a-cop themed coloring page. The donations collected from the activity netted over $550 and Supervisor Anna Kasper presented officers with the donation while members of the TRPD visited with students.

At East Dover, students and staff lined up to buy a piece of duct tape that was used to stick their principal, Matt Gray, to the wall. Principal Gray was a great sport and stayed stuck to the wall for several hours! The event raised an impressive $1,500 for the Vest-A-Cop cause.

"This fundraiser has demonstrated that the children and families of East Dover support our local law enforcement officers that protect them each and every day in Toms River," said Principal Gray. He continued, "Our students have a special bond with our class three officer Ron Kirby who makes coming to school safe. Being able to support Officer Kirby's colleagues within the Toms River Police Department has been an honor and a privilege for our entire team at East Dover."

Many more school-based activities to support the Vest-A-Cop campaign are planned to take place through today and into next week. Check trschools.com to view updated events. Show your support of local law enforcement by attending the big, family-friendly event on Monday, September 26 in downtown Toms River!