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Western Illinois University Police Sergeant Derek Watts visited the children and brought them each a bike helmet, donated by the WIU Fraternal Order of the Police (FOP) No. 169.
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Watts brought various sizes to make sure each student had a helmet that properly fit.
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Sherri Moon, director of the Infant and Preschool Center, said that the OPS officers have developed a nice relationship with the children and often stop by just to check in or read books to them.
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WIU Infant and Preschool Center Raises Money for St. Jude

April 13, 2016

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MACOMB, IL - - Children at Western Illinois University's Infant and Preschool Center are learning how to give back at a young age. The center, part of WIU's College of Education and Human Services, held a trike-a-thon last week to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The trike-a-thon, an annual event WIU's Infant and Preschool Center participates in, is designed to teach preschool and daycare students about riding-toy safety and the importance of helping others.

Prior to the event, Western Illinois University Police Sergeant Derek Watts visited the children and brought them each a bike helmet, donated by the WIU Fraternal Order of the Police (FOP) No. 169. Watts assisted Kelly Morck, lead teacher for the preschool, in teaching the students about bicycle safety, helmet safety and why children should wear helmets.

The FOP also annually donates a helmet to every first grade student in McDonough County.

"We love that our students have such a good relationship with the OPS [Office of Public Safety] officers," said Sherri Moon, director of the Infant and Preschool Center. "Throughout the year, the officers are so great about just stopping by to check in or coming in to read to the kids. They really love it, and they are always excited to see the police officers."

The Infant and Preschool Center is still accepting donations to go toward St. Jude through Friday, April 15. For more information about the Infant and Preschool Center or to donate, contact Moon at SR-Moon@wiu.edu or at (309) 298-1250.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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