were extremely kind to my brothers and me. You don’t forget where you came from and I knew I had to fi nd a way to give back the same kindness that was shown to me.” The little Thursday project quickly grew and with several thousand books, Cops ‘n’ Kids needed a home of its own. Coca Cola Bottling opened up its doors, offering book storage in its warehouse. Then, in 2005, Northampton Community College helped form the Cops ‘n’ Kids Reading Room, located within NCC’s Fowler Family Southside Center in Bethlehem. Children and families gather in this 1,132 square- foot fully-furnished room to read, share stories and of course, take home a few books. In addition, there are community- sponsored events including monthly Meet the Authors series where children receive a complimentary autographed book, as well as seasonal activities throughout the year.


In the early days of the program, Bradley set up a bin inside the Bethlehem Recycling Center where she quickly collected 30,000 used books that otherwise would have been thrown away. Rodale Publishers held the fi rst book drive, collecting 2,000 books. Bradley says that schools are eager to help by holding annual book drives. Last year, the Emmaus High School Key Club collected 3,000 books. This year, the entire East Penn School district collected 24,800 books.


Originally, Cops ‘n’ Kids was based upon building positive relationships between children and police offi cers. Bradley says, “Law enforcement was eager to become involved, especially because at-risk youth needed positive role models.” Today, police departments from across the Lehigh Valley support Cops ‘n’ Kids, from reading books to assisting with book drives, even cooking and serving meals at special community programs. Realizing that additional community members could also help change children’s lives, Bradley reached out to the entire educational community, local businesses and organizations, the political arena and anyone else eager to participate. She says, “We rely solely on


Continued On Pg 12 because you live here® Early Fall 2011 11


Try us on for size.


Simply the best service and selection at a fair price. We understand how your foot works, and we special fit every shoe to your specific needs.


Asics Day Tuesday Sept. 13th


3-6pm


*Free Gift w/purchase


10 South 4th St., Emmaus 610-966-9939


Chris Schmidt Owner


“we know gardening from the we knowgardeningfrom the


“Top 100 Garden


Centers in the Country” by Nursery Retail Magazine


Lawn & Garden ~ Nursery ~ Patio Furniture ~ Grills ~ Power Equipment & More VALUE, SERVICE & QUALITY THAT CAN’T BE BEAT.


Hellertown, PA • 610.838.7000 ~ www.neighborsgarden.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8A-7P • Sun. 10A-5P


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112