In June, a fire at the Rainbow Terrace Apartments on Cleveland’s east side displaced many families and left the community reeling. Among those moved by the situation was a recruit from the Cleveland Police Academy with personal ties to the area. Inspired to help, the recruit brought the idea of collecting donations to academy instructors, and together they launched a food, clothing, and toy drive for the families impacted.
What started as a simple idea quickly grew. Within days, officers across the Cleveland Division of Police began contributing items, and soon other city departments added their support as well. The drive gained momentum as word spread, filling boxes with essentials and comforts for those who had lost so much.
This week, recruits from Academy Classes #158 and #159 proudly loaded a cargo van with the collected donations. The items will be delivered directly to the families affected by the fire. Their efforts show that even the newest members of the Division are already stepping up, finding ways to serve, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of Cleveland residents.
