27-03-2025
LGL: Erie Police Athletic League
Dozens of Erie youth are about to have a great time thanks to the Erie Police Athletic League and JET-24's Loving Giving Local. The league was the recipient of this week's LGL donation of $250 from Auto Express Resale Center.
Erie's PAL began in 2016 after a 40-year hiatus. Its rebirth began with two police officers, working with 35 students at one location.
Now the program has 120 officers from 10 law enforcement agencies, reaching 1,700 students in 28 schools and community centers.
According to PAL Executive Director Lt. Tom Lennox of the Erie Police Department, there are many summer-time activities for youth.
'We do six camps throughout the summer. Gannon University, we have two camps at Mercyhurst University. We've got the police academy, we've got Dicks camp, we've got a camp over at the Erie Boys and Girls Club,' Lenox said.
'we also wrestle and box throughout the whole year, all year round. we're also hooked up with Mel Witherspoon's league for basketball come summer, and we're going to get youth baseball started up again,' he added.
PAL's mission is to strengthen bonds between officers and Erie's youth, help develop mutual respect, reduce crime, and build character.
'With over one thousand seven hundred kids involved, it's a lot of families. but it also gives kids a chance to meet police officers outside of their regular work,' emphasized Chief Dan Spizarny, Erie Police Department.
During the school year, the league takes young people on two or three field trips every month.
And that's how this week's Loving Giving Local donation will be used, according to Lenox.
'We're taking four charter buses down to Pittsburgh Science Center this month. In addition, we're going on a tour of PNC Park while we're down there. Then we're going to take the kids fishing at Pymatuning on the way home,' Lenox said.
'Just to see the police officers be able to bond with youth in the community, that's what Loving Giving Local is all about. For us to be able to deliver a donation puts a big smile on my face,' Joe Askins of Auto Express Resale Center said.
To learn more about the PAL and how to get involved, click here.
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