Virginia Tech employees thank police with 'care coolers'
Virginia Tech Police Officer Arkeif Robinson was the first to receive a "care cooler" from administrative assistant Annabelle Fuselier. Fuselier came up with the idea for Business Services to deliver gifts to the Virginia Tech Police Department.
A group of Virginia Tech employees have come together to show their care and appreciation for the men, women, and K-9s of the university’s Police Department.
For the last few months, more than a dozen employees in Virginia Tech’s Office of Business Services have been collecting dozens of items to create 68 “care coolers.” The coolers were delivered to the Police Department on Oct. 11.
“We really wanted to do something to show our police officers how much we value their service to the university,” said Annabelle Fuselier, administrative assistant to the associate vice president of administration who spearheaded the project.
Each cooler included a personalized thank-you note, items for a quick break (water, crackers, peanuts), and a Police Officer Survival Kit with the following items:
- Life Saver: To remind you of the many times you've been one.
- Starburst: For that burst of energy you'll need.
- Payday: Because you're not doing it for the money.
- Paper Clip: To help hold it all together.
- Hershey Kisses: Because you deserve them from all.
- Gum: To help your unit stick together.
- Tootsie Roll: To help you roll with the punches.
- Peppermint Patty: To help you keep your cool.
- Snickers: To remind you to keep your sense of humor.
- Mounds: For the "mounds" of courage you need.
- Smarties: For the "wisdom" to make lifesaving decisions.
- Laffy Taffy: To remind you that "laughter" is always the best stress reliever.
- Dum Dums: Because sometimes your day "sucks" too.
- Medals: Because we want to thank you and honor you for all the sacrifices you make to keep us safe.
The university’s three K-9 officers also received a special treat.
“We’re hopeful these coolers will make life just a little easier for our police officers who often jump from one call to the next without a break,” said Kristina Randolph, a fiscal technician in the Office of Business Services-Finance and Administration.
Items were donated by the Office of Business Services, which includes the following departments – Finance and Administration, Air Transportation Services, Fleet Services, Printing Services, Mail Services, Parking Services, and Administrative Services Consulting Services.
“Our officers were extremely surprised and appreciative of the care coolers,” said William “Mac” Babb III, deputy chief of police and assistant director of security. “The thoughtfulness displayed by our fellow colleagues and their support is a constant reminder that the Virginia Tech community is united.”
During the past two years, employees in the Office of Business Services have donated items to the Ronald McDonald House in Roanoke, volunteered with the Montgomery County Christmas Store in Christiansburg, held a supply drive for the Montgomery County Human Society in Christiansburg, and participated in “Blessings in a Box” by filling shoe boxes for orphans in Guatemala.
Written by Laura Neff-Henderson, director of communications for the Division of Administrative Services and Chris Ventura, a senior from Virginia Beach, Virginia, majoring in public relations and creative writing.
