An Extra Burst of Holiday Cheer with the Dyer Difference Award
During the holidays, most of us find a way to swing a few extra special kindnesses for those we love and often for people we’ve not even met yet. Whether it’s dropping a dollar in the red kettle as you leave the stores this season, volunteering with a local nonprofit, or inviting a neighbor to join your family dinner, those kind gestures are the real reason for the holiday season and all its cheer and warmth. Everyone at the Dyer dealerships in Indian River and St. Lucie County recognizes the importance of this extra little burst of cheer, and that’s why this month, children in both St. Lucie and Indian River Counties will have an opportunity to bond with law enforcement officials and realize a holiday dream as both organizations celebrate their annual Shop with a Cop program. The program, which pairs children grades K-8 from struggling families with law enforcement officers for a day of shopping and camaraderie, is one of the most special days of the year for law enforcement officers and the youth involved alike.
Shop with a Cop provides a special holiday for the selected children as well as an opportunity to share a positive bonding experience with members of the law enforcement community. However, law enforcement officers usually leave the experience inspired and even more motivated to protect the community and help positively impact and guide its youngest members. That’s because when faced with the chance to get themselves gifts, most of the participating children bypass their own desires and try to make sure they find gifts for siblings and parents.
The memorable and moving experience shared by the children and the deputies is something neither soon forgets, and the stronger bonds of trust between the youth and law enforcement are a key factor in the decision by both the Dyer Difference Award Committees in both Indian River and St. Lucie County to recognize and honor the Shop with a Cop Program with the December Dyer Difference Award and accompanying donation of $3,000 in each county.
The Dyer Difference Award is all about celebrating the beauty and kindness in our midst. For the Dyer family and the members of the Dyer staff, the award and the $6,000 in donations made monthly between the St. Lucie and Indian River Counties are all about helping to make a positive difference in the community. For the recipients, it’s an acknowledgement of their tireless efforts to do the same and a much-needed financial boost to help further their missions. If you’d like to nominate a non-profit organization for the Dyer Difference Award, please visit dyerdifference.org or find Dyer Difference on Facebook.
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