Keystone Kruisers Continue Holiday Giving Spree
Keystone Kruisers President Randy Kruse gives a $500 check to Sheriff Bill Rupert for the K-9 Fund alongside Vice-President Bill Johnson (far left), Secretary Russ Collar and Club Member Geri Ashbaugh. (submitted photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
Members of a locally-based car club gave back to four non-profits this month.
Keystone Kruisers President Randy Kruse of Worthington said a total of $2,500 was given between four charities.
“We went to Orphans of the Storm – spoke to the director there and gave them $500 –, went to the Salvation Army – spoke to the Lieutenant and gave them $500 –, went to the Sheriff’s Department – spoke to Sheriff Rupert and gave Bill $500 for the K-9 Fund –, and then we went out to Mechling-Shakley (Veterans Center) and gave those representatives $1,000,” Kruse said.
An anonymous donation upped the donation total.
“We’re a registered non-profit, so I we keep is operating expenses anyhow,” Kruse said. “We do it for the community – and we like to give it to local charities so it stays within the community. That’s important to us.”
Last year, the group gave $600 to the veterans’ center and in 2013, partnered with the Kit-Han-Ne Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America to donate more than $2,000 for a 32-inch television for each of the homeless veterans` rooms and toward satellite reception.
Kruse, a pet owner and owner of a rescue cat, recommended Sheriff Rupert’s collection after he had many interactions with drug dogs during his 25 years of service as a Pennsylvania State Police trooper both because of the enforcement and community relations.
“I think that’s a great thing – not only for slowing down the drug traffic in the County but taking it to schools so kids become familiar with police in a positive light,” Kruse said. “Everybody loves drug dogs – take one of those to a school, and those kids are just going to love it.”
Sheriff Rupert said, while a $10,000 deposit has already been made for the dog at Shallow Creek Kennels (in Mercer County), this and future donations will cover the costs to outfit a new vehicle and other expenses.
“We’ve got a ways to go,” Sheriff Rupert said.
Sheriff Rupert said more donations come in weekly. A gun raffle near Thanksgiving raised $3,700.
Deputy Theresa Gipson starts training in April.
Local News | jweaver December 28, 2015
By Just sayin, December 28, 2015 @ 9:26 AM
What would we do without the bleeding-heart type of people in the world???… thank you… good and kind people!!
Peace on Earth; Good Will Toward Men, Women,Birds, and Beasts!!
By Just sayin, December 29, 2015 @ 8:48 AM
Just want to prove I’m not a robot…