BRILLIANT bobbies in Rugby have donated more than £4,000 to local good causes after they came up with a way to turn officers’ love of snacks into a charity fund-raiser.
In 2020, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Joanne Jackson and Samantha Goode set up a tuck shop at the town’s police station to ensure officers could get a quick lift when they needed it.
From the start it was set up as a non-profit venture, with proceeds being invested directly into buying more stock and donating to local charities.
But the shop has proven such a success that it is raising thousands of pounds for charity – and providing free treats for children and vulnerable people who come to the station for help.
PCSO Joanne Jackson at the counter of the fund-raising tuck shop.
PCSO Jackson said: “Officers work long shifts and they don’t always have chance to get a full meal on duty. So it all started out as a way for the team to pick up some chocolate, crisps or pop as a bit of a lift.
“From the start we’d hoped to raise a little money for charity, but we had absolutely no idea how well it was going to do.
“This was during the pandemic, and with supermarkets being restricted, we were quickly asked if we could start doing other items like frozen meals and rice packets. Officers were struggling with doing a 12-plus hour shift and then having to go and queue in long lines at the supermarkets to get some dinner.”
But the treats are not just for the enjoyment of the police.
She added: “When we have vulnerable people and victims, especially children, coming to the station for help we’ll give them treats from the tuck shop.
“This might sound silly, but it makes a huge difference. Children and young victims might have spent weeks, months or even years in horrible situations and they might be wary of being brought to a police station.
“Sorting out a can of pop and some sweets for them is one of the ways we can show them some kindness and to remind them that they are cared about and valued.
“We are able to have this constant supply of items for vulnerable people because officers are effectively subsidising it with their own purchases.”
As of January, the PCSOs have been able to donate more than £4,000 to local charities from the shop’s proceeds.
The rest of the money was invested in more stock. Both PCSOs acquire the stock and keep the tuck shop running in their own time, using their own vehicles.
The enterprise was further boosted when Amazon donated a large fridge, like the type seen in shops, to allow for more capacity.
PCSO Jackson said: “That was brilliant, and they even arranged to have it PAT tested so it met all the regulations.
“Ultimately, I just want to thank everyone – inside the police and in the community – for their support with this.
“We’re not going to stop loving snacks any time soon so please be assured that the donations will keep coming!”
