Local law enforcement agencies are doing their part to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
More than a dozen officers from the Moline Police Department and Illinois State Police this afternoon carried the Flame of Hope to the North Henderson Street McDonald’s where Galesburg officers continued with the torch to the Public Safety Building.
Shortly after officers were greeted by Ronald McDonald and a handful of onlookers, McDonald’s location owner Carol Kirkenmeier said she was happy with the day’s turnout, but would like to see an expanded interest in the torch run.
“I would love to have Henderson Street flooded with people as the torch is coming down,” Kirkenmeier said. “Clapping and cheering the officers. I would love to get some cheerleaders here. I would love to get some bands from the high school here.”
No numbers were readily available this today for how much money was raised for Special Olympics Illinois. The Galesburg Police Department was hoping to bring in around $5,000.
At 7 a.m. tomorrow, officers and supporters — including Galesburg police, Henry Hill Correctional Center officers, Galesburg High School varsity baseball assistant coaches and a GHS athlete — will take the torch to the Peoria County line about 30 miles southeast of the Public Safety Building.
During last year’s torch run, the GPD helped raise between $6,000 and $7,000.
