Above / Naperville Police Department Telecommunicator Sarah Kirkland and Colleen Shinn, Outreach Manager – Chicagoland Chapter, Autism Speaks hold the check representing dollars raised from “Charity Dress Down Days.” Back from left, NPD Emergency Communication Supervisor Jillianne Price; Telecommunicator Michael Stys; Telecommunicator Harold Downs; and Emergency Communication Supervisor Anita Kappra join the crowd with their gift.
The City of Naperville’s Communications Section recently presented a $555 check to Autism Speaks after completing a successful third round of “Charity Dress Down Days.”
Aimed at giving back to the community and enhancing a team atmosphere in the Communications Section, “Charity Dress Down Days” allow staff members to wear approved “dress down” apparel twice a month in exchange for a $5 donation to a charity voted on by all those participating.
The Communications Section is comprised of the Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), which provides emergency and non-emergency radio and telephone communications for all public safety departments, and City Dispatch, which serves the Departments of Public Works and Public Utilities.
“This is an extraordinary group of employees, and their dedication to helping others – both professionally and personally – is inspiring,” said Communications Manager Kalah Considine.
Six months of collections garnered $555 for this period’s chosen charity, Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. For more information on Autism Speaks, visitwww.afsp.org.
The Communications Section’s “Charity Dress Down Days” initiative will continue with proceeds going to a different charity chosen by the group every six months.
Story and photo submitted by Commander Louis Cammiso, Office of Professional Standards, Public Information Officer, for the City of Naperville.
