Trailer donation aids Elkins’ alcohol awareness program
Posted on Monday, July 28, 2008
Elkins police have a way to transport their donated drunk driving education golf cart thanks to an additional donation by a local business, Ranalli Farms.
Police Chief Shawn Ellis said the department realized it had a problem when the Springdale Police Department asked if the Elkins police could bring their golf cart to a boot camp event for local teens.
"We had no way of getting it there," Ellis said.
A few phone calls later Ranalli Farms answered the department's need by donating a brand new trailer.
"And we're forever grateful," Ellis said.
Ellis said he plans on putting the police department's badge on the black trailer and adding a sign that states "Donated by Ranalli Farms."
The trailer serves as a way for the department to move the golf cart, which Lindsey & Associates donated to the department in February.
The cart is being used by School Resource Officer Bill Rhodes to aid an alcohol awareness program he's developing at Elkins High School. Ellis said the golf cart is driven by a student wearing drunk goggles - eyewear that simulates the visual impairment induced by excessive amounts of alcohol - while that student attempts to drive an obstacle course in a safe, supervised environment.
"We've painted it and put our badge on it, too," Ellis said. "We've used it in two parades also."
Between the golf cart and the trailer, Ellis estimated the department has received more than $ 5, 000 in donations in recent months.
"We don't have a lot of money, but our biggest thing is if you get the community involved," Ellis said. "They are our biggest allies."
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