On Thursday, February 20, 2014 the Fort Myers Police Department’s “Do the Right Thing” program honored seven area youth for their good deeds. Chief Doug Baker presented awards to the following students at a ceremony at the City of Fort Myers Council Chambers:
Jack, Kaia and Owen Geissenger along with Isabelle and Madeline Koll all from Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts were nominated for their participation in Blankets and Blessings.
Blankets and Blessings gathers supplies and food items to deliver to the homeless community in Lee County, Florida throughout the year.
8-year old Will Constantine started a campaign last year to include over 300 helpers and a breakfast event in a downtown park handing out supplies and food to the homeless community on Thanksgiving morning. Will was recognized and awarded a Do the Right Thing trophy last year.
This past Thanksgiving, Will’s annual blanket drive turned into a multi-location event with over 70 volunteers and over 400 people being helped with supplies such as clothes, blankets, food and toiletries. The above listed children were instrumental in Blankets and Blessings for collecting items and sorting donations for the event in addition to volunteering the morning of Thanksgiving.
These dedicated and thoughtful children worked for hours sorting toiletries and bagging them for the Thanksgiving event. It was a ton of work and Kerry Constantine, Will’s mom, was very thankful for their assistance. These children are an inspiration to all who participated in the event.
Andrew and Cassidy Marino of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School were nominated for being loving and responsible siblings to their younger brother Shane.
Cassidy and Andrew are the older siblings of a very special little boy named Shane. Shane is 4-years old and has Cerebral Palsy and a seizure disorder.
Cassidy and Andrew are very helpful to their parents and grandmother in the daily care of Shane’s special needs. Recently, while their grandmother “Me Ma” was babysitting the three siblings, Shane began having a seizure. It was the first seizure for Shane while “Me Ma” was in charge. Cassidy jumped into action, verbally assisting “Me Ma” in administering medication, asking Andrew to time the seizure, and speaking to her mother on the phone to report Shane’s condition.
Andrew and Cassidy were able to stay calm during an emergency situation and help all those involved. Shane is extremely lucky to have such wonderful siblings and we are very proud to honor Andrew and Cassidy.
The purpose of the “Do the Right Thing” program is to acknowledge, honor, and reinforce positive actions among local youth. It is also designed to enhance relationships between local law enforcement members and school-aged children. Congratulations to all the winners!
Lieutenant Victor Medico
Public Information Officer
Fort Myers Police Department
2210 Widman Way
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
(239) 321-7748
vmedico@fmpolice.com
