Community Helps To Cram the Cruiser Again

Donated school supplies are gathered at today's Cram the Cruiser event.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Team members from Edmonson County's Family Resource Center and Youth Services Centers along with local emergency personnel were set up today in Brownsville as they collected school supplies for local students at the annual Cram the Cruiser.

Lisa Whobrey, one of the event organizers and coordinator for the EC Family Resource Centers, said the purpose for the school supply drive each year is to ensure that all students can have the same opportunities for needed supplies in Edmonson County Schools.

"Our goal with the program is simply to bridge the barriers so our children do not have to worry and can focus on learning," she said. "Today our community helps to make that happen."

Local FRYSC members, emergency personnel, and community volunteers at the 2023 Cram the Cruiser.

Local law enforcement and Edmonson EMS were set up with FRYSC personnel, along with other community volunteers, at the Family Dollar in Brownsville, collecting supplies and monetary donations. Kentucky State Police, Brownsville Police, and the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office helped to 'cram the cruiser.'

Trooper Daniel Priddy, Public Information Officer for Kentucky State Police Post 3, said today's event was a great opportunity to work with the local Family Resource Center.

"We want every student to start off on the same foot as school starts," he said. "Some kids don't have what they need and this helps equal that out. It also allows us to interact with our community, students, and teachers, and we even consider it a partnership with our school system and community."

A donation is received from a local resident today.

Whobrey said she was grateful for all the work that went into this year's event. All the supplies will be evenly dispersed among all Edmonson County Schools.

"We could not do what we do without the amazing support of our community," she added.