Burbank police lend a helping hand

Burbank police raised roughly $2,500 for the Special Olympics on Thursday by waiting on tables and serving food at the annual “Tip-A-Cop” event, officials said.

A dozen police officers, cadets and explorers in uniform collected tips at the Claim Jumper in Burbank to benefit athletes in the Special Olympics.

“It just gives us another opportunity to help others,” said Burbank Police Officer Joshua Kendrick. “It’s a very selfless act not only for the police department, but for those who are willing to donate as well.”

The funds will help cover costs for the year-round program, including transportation, facility rentals and uniforms for the roughly 500 athletes in the Tri-Valley and Santa Clarita area, according to Laura Mayo, regional director for the Special Olympics.

Burbank was one of six local agencies to participate in the “Tip-A-Cop” event, through which the organization raised $15,000, Mayo said.

“It’s a great partnership,” she added. “The athletes feel really safe with law enforcement, and law enforcement [agencies] get to come out and do something good for the community.”

Currently, the athletes are competing to qualify for the summer games.

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Follow Alene Tchekmedyian on Google+ and on Twitter: @atchek.

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