Pubdate: Sat, 28 Jul 2012
Source: Sturgis Journal, The (MI)
Copyright: 2012 The Sturgis Journal
Contact:  http://www.sturgisjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1481
Author: Terry Katz

JUDGE, ELKS ASSEMBLE CARE KITS FOR DRUG-ENDANGERMENT SITUATIONS

Sturgis, Mich. - An $800 grant from the Elks National Foundation is 
helping police and on-call Child Protective Services workers be 
better prepared on drug raids.

On Wednesday, volunteers from the Sturgis Elks lodge packed 100 bags 
of disposable items that can be used if children are affected by a 
raid. Bags were also packed for adults.

Each bag includes soap, wash towels, pediatric gowns, disposable 
gloves, seat covers and garbage bags. Small blankets and bottled 
water were also donated.

St. Joseph County Probate Judge Thomas Shumaker stopped at the Elks 
after he went to his home in Sturgis to gather several plastic storage tubs.

He was pleased to see volunteers doing the assembly work and said the 
project fits protocol on how to handle kids and adults in 
methamphetamine situations.

"Sometimes an ambulance is not at the scene when there is meth 
involved," said Shumaker. "This helps our on-call workers who are in 
their own cars."

Police also will carry disposable bags in their vehicles.

Shumaker said it would be good if 100 bags were not needed to assist 
drug-endangered children and adults in St. Joseph County. No toys 
were included because there wasn't enough space.

Elks volunteers included Stacy Sheehan, chaplain; Frank and Mary Kay 
Schultz, Kelly Eaton and exalted ruler Natalie Boland.

Boland said there is still money from the grant that will go toward 
future projects.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom