The Great Start Collaborative of Allegan County recently was awarded a generous $16,500 grant from The Perrigo Foundation to support bike and water safety initiatives for children across Allegan County. This grant will provide 625 bike helmets and 165 life vests to be distributed to 12 key partners, including local law enforcement, public schools, and aquatic centers, ensuring that children in the community can enjoy outdoor activities safely.
The funds will help meet the growing demand for safety equipment, with the following distribution:
• Allegan County Sheriff’s Office: 156 helmets and 100 lifejackets
• Allegan City PD & Allegan Public Schools Resource Officer: 180 helmets
• Fennville Public Schools Resource Officer: 36 helmets
• Douglas Public Schools Resource Officer: 13 helmets
• Hopkins Public Schools Resource Officer: 12 helmets
• Otsego Public Schools Resource Officer: 96 helmets
• Wayland City PD & Wayland Union Schools Resource Officer: 48 helmets
• Plainwell Community Schools Resource Officer: 24 helmets and 10 lifejackets
• Martin Public Schools Resource Officer: 60 helmets
• Allegan Public Schools Aquatic Center: 20 lifejackets
• Plainwell Community Schools Aquatic Center: 20 lifejackets
• Otsego Public Schools Aquatic Center: 15 lifejackets
This distribution will equip children with the necessary tools to stay safe while biking or swimming, two activities that are integral to a healthy and active childhood.
Rebecca Huberty, Supervisor of the Allegan County Great Start Collaborative, expressed her excitement about the impact of the grant. "Ensuring that children have the proper safety equipment when they bike, or swim is crucial for their well-being. With these helmets and life vests, we are not only promoting safety but also encouraging kids to engage in outdoor activities, which is so important for their physical and mental health," she said. "The generous support from The Perrigo Foundation will help protect children across Allegan County, creating safer environments for families to enjoy these activities together."
This grant is part of The Perrigo Foundation’s ongoing commitment to building healthier communities, ensuring that families in Allegan County have the resources they need to thrive. With the distribution of helmets and life vests, the Great Start Collaborative is making strides toward a safer, healthier future for children across the county.
For more information about The Perrigo Foundation and its work, visit The Perrigo Foundation.