READING — Deputy Chief Christine Amendola and Community Service Officer DaLonn Pearson are pleased to share that the Reading Police Department will once again wear special uniform patches throughout the month of March in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day.
World Down Syndrome Day is recognized on March 21 each year. It seeks to raise awareness of Down syndrome and to help people better understand and support those who have the genetic condition.
In recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, the Reading Police Department will wear World Down Syndrome Day patches on their uniforms throughout the month of March. The department is also offering the patches to community members in exchange for a donation to a local charity, Samantha’s Harvest.
Samantha’s Harvest is a Reading-based non-profit organization that works to raise funds and awareness to improve medical, educational, and recreational programming for people of all ages with Down syndrome.
The nonprofit, started by the Gibbs family, is named after their third child, Samantha. She is currently a cosmetology student at Minutemen Tech, working at a salon in Boston and at the 1928 Club at TD Garden. She also works as a counselor at Five Star Theatre Company each Summer.
Community members who want to obtain a patch should send a $10 check made out to Samantha’s Harvest, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, to the Reading Police Department, care of Officer DaLonn Pearson, 15 Union St., Reading, MA 01867. Officer Pearson will mail the patch or patches back to those who request them.
In honor of Samantha’s Harvest’s 25 years of operations, a documentary about Samantha and her life is being made, which will screen in November.
Samantha’s Harvest hosts three events throughout the year: Sips for Samantha’s Harvest, March 7 at Bunratty Tavern, Samantha’s Harvest 5k Family Run/Walk on June 7, and Samantha’s Harvest Charity Golf Open on Sept. 11.
For more information about Samantha’s Harvest, visit: https://samanthasharvest.org/
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