Clayton Police Help Equip Local Students For A New School Year

CLAYTON, N.C. – A new backpack, a fresh notebook, or even a box of tissues may seem like a small gift. But in a classroom, those items can make a big difference.

Thanks to the Clayton community, local students and teachers will have more of what they need for the new school year after the Clayton Police Department collected a trailer full of school supplies during its annual Pack a Police Car event on Saturday, August 15.

Community members stopped by the Clayton Walmart throughout the morning with supplies and monetary donations. Some brought familiar back-to-school items, such as crayons, papers, and backpacks. Others donated things that can be easy to overlook, including paper towels, headphones, hand sanitizer, and dry erase markers.

Walmart also supported the event by providing a place for officers to collect donations and fans to help keep them cool during the August heat.

For Lieutenant Jeff Young, seeing people take the time to help is a reminder of how much Clayton cares about its schools.

“Whenever our community sees a need, they step up,” said Young. “It means a lot to our officers to see families come by with their kids, people add a few extra items to their shopping carts, and others simply stop to offer a kind word. There is a real sense of community at this event, and we are grateful to be part of it.”

Now, the focus turns to getting those donations into local schools where they can support students and teachers throughout the year. Having supplies ready and within reach helps create a classroom where students can focus on learning instead of worrying about what they may be missing.

“The first day of school should be about meeting your teacher, seeing your friends and getting excited about the year ahead,” said Young. “We hope these donations help more students walk through those doors feeling confident and ready for what’s next.”

Pack a Police Car also holds special meaning for the Clayton Police Department’s School Resource Officers (SROs). Their work puts them inside local schools each day, giving them the chance to build relationships with students, teachers, and staff beyond their role in school safety.

“Our SROs take a lot of pride in the schools they serve,” said Young. “They want students to know they’re there to cheer them on, lend a hand, and be someone they can count on. Pack a Police Car is a chance for our officers to show that support in a different way.”

This coming week, Clayton Police Department School Resource Officers plan to deliver the collected supplies to their respective schools, making sure teachers and staff have them ready before students return for the first day of school.