On Aug. 26, the Old Saybrook Police Department held a Back to School Supply event that earned praise form the police commission and attendees.

At a Police Commission meeting on Aug. 26, Police Chief Michael Spera informed the commission about a back-to-school event held earlier that day. The three-hour event allowed children and their families to pick up needed school supplies for the upcoming school year, as well as a quick lunch courtesy of the police department.

Spera told the commission that close to 200 kids came through the event, which he called “an extremely successful” time.

Noting the rising cost of goods and services everywhere, Spera said the event was appreciated by families who needed a little help getting by.

“It’s not a handout to people who need it; it’s literally an empowering event,” Spera said.

Spera explained that at the end of back-to-school season, he meets with local retailers to see if extra stocked items can be purchased at a reduced rate using money donated to the department for that purpose. Additionally, some people also donate items for the event. While the department is usually a year ahead, last year, the department went through so many donations that the supplies for this year were purchased in season.

“People don’t realize the difference between needing a little bit of assistance and not needing any help is just paper thin,” Spera said.

Several members of the commission praised the event, including Jessica Calle, who said her family is one of the beneficiaries of the event.

“I just wanted to say thank you for the event. My kids and I, we do take advantage of that and it’s truly helpful,” Calle said.

In addition to the families getting supplies, Spera highlighted the chance it gives for members of the department to interact with the public in a positive setting.

“It’s great for the kids to see their [Student Resource Officers ] there and their parents to see that and we had [patrolman Bryan Mora] there, who is our only Spanish-speaking patrolman to greet parents or children which really makes them feel welcomed and safe so really it was just a great event,” Spera told the commission.

Spera said the next similar community event is a Thanksgiving food drive.