Two self-storage facilities in Johnson City, Tenn., recently donated free use of storage space to the Johnson City Police Department’s officer-support group, Support Wives and Girlfriends (SWAG), for its June 26 garage-sale fundraiser. 11-E Mini Storage at 104 Minga Drive and Springbrook Storage at 328 E. Springbrook Drive provided storage units for the six weeks leading up to the sale, which was held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.
The event raised $3,250, according to the SWAG Facebook page. All proceeds are being used to fund the organization’s annual “Shop With a Cop” holiday program, which takes place in December, according to Amber Keller, who helped organize the fundraiser.
“Shop With a Cop” pairs a police officer with a local child to go on a “shopping spree” during the winter holiday season. Each child receives an allotted amount to spend on clothing, holiday gifts, school supplies, shoes and other items. Kids also receive wrapped gifts to open on Christmas morning, Keller said. Several police departments nationwide host similar programs.
Last year, SWAG co-sponsored a joint yard sale with the Jonesborough Police Department to “learn the ropes,” Keller told the source. The proceeds enabled 80 children to have $150 each to purchase items for themselves and family members during the holidays. “It was a very humbling experience. The kids absolutely loved the one-on-one attention they got from the officers,” Keller said.
Formed in August 2013, SWAG has a mission is to support officers and their families, according to its Facebook page.
Locally owned and operated, 11-E Mini Storage provides 24-hour facility access, online billpay, outdoor vehicle parking, and moving and packing supplies. Security features include gated access, motion detectors and video cameras.
Opened in 2003, Springbrook Storage also offers 24-hour facility access, online billpay and outdoor vehicle parking. Its security features include lighting, perimeter fencing and video cameras.
Sources:
- Johnson City Press: Fundraiser Could Add SWAGger to Your Decor
- : SWAG
