FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday Feb. 10, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Melrose Police Department Receives Stuffed Animals and Children’s Books Donated by Project Smile

MELROSE — Police Chief Michael L. Lyle is pleased to report that the Melrose Police Department has received a generous donation that will help put smiles on the faces of the children that the Department comes into contact with on a daily basis.

On Friday, February 6, Chief Lyle met with Catherine Pisacane of Project Smile, which made a donation of stuffed animals, coloring books, crayons and reading books to the Melrose Police Department.

“I applaud the efforts of Catherine and everyone involved in Project Smile,” Chief Lyle said. “Too often, we deal with children during the worst or most troubling times, and it is helpful to have a resources like this to provide some comfort and put smiles on the faces of these kids.”

Founded by Pisacane in 2003, Project Smile is a non-profit organization that donates stuffed animals, coloring books/crayons and reading books for police officers, fire fighters and paramedics to give to traumatized children. Many of the children receiving stuffed animals have been involved in car accidents, are victims of child abuse or other crimes, are sick/injured, or are witnesses to domestic violence. 

“Our goal is for every police officer and fire fighter in New England to have immediate access to comfort items for children,” Pisacane said. “This is an ongoing donation process, so as soon as Melrose Police’s supply runs out, we will donate more items.”

Since October 2003, Project Smile has collected over 34,000 stuffed animals and works with 191 police and fire departments. Project Smile also donates items for homeless shelters and the Department of Children and Families.  

For more information on Project Smile or to donate, please visit their website at www.projectsmile.org or call 508-634-0203. 

###