Monessen police, SPHS unite for back-to-school drive

By EMILY BENNETT

ebennett@yourmvi.com

“Work smarter, not harder” is a workplace philosophy Monessen Police chief Jim Smith likes to employ. That’s why he decided to merge efforts with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services Family Center in Monessen to make this year’s back-to-school supply drive bigger and better than ever. 

“You get a lot more accomplished in life when you aren’t worrying about who gets the credit,” Smith said.

Along with SPHS workers, Monessen police are making an effort to gather school supplies to give to local families in need. This year marks the first annual Pack a Patrol Car event, but SPHS is a veteran in the campaign, having two years under its belt. The supplies drive is complete with a catchy name and an interesting objective — fill the backseats and trunk of a police SUV with school supplies. 

“We’re accepting donations to fill up the back of one of those big SUVs with school supplies as well as supplies that teachers might need in their rooms,” Smith said. 

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