WS Chronicle

Nothing says summer like ice cream, and thanks to the Winston-Salem Police Foundation local officers will be serving up cold treats and books all summer. 

During a special ceremony, the Police Foundation unveiled the Operation Sweet Reads Truck, a $150,000 investment designed to promote reading and build stronger relationships between police and children in the community.

The truck, which was donated to the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD), will travel around the city distributing free ice cream and books to local children.

According to Chief Catrina Thompson, the Sweet Reads Truck will be operated by the department’s Community Resource Unit.

Before she was presented the keys to the truck on Thursday, June 21, Chief Thompson thanked retired Chief Barry Rountree and the Police Foundation for their efforts in bringing Operation Sweet Reads to fruition. She said, “The Winston-Salem Police Department is committed to strengthening positive relationships between police personnel and our children in Winston-Salem.” 

“… Operation Sweet Reads ties in directly with our community-oriented philosophy by giving us yet another way to be intentionally involved in redefining the generation equation for kids in our community whose life challenges stand in the way of their road to success.” 

After receiving the keys from Scott Sewell, president of the Police Foundation, Chief Thompson and other members of the WSPD demonstrated how the Sweet Reads Truck will work. Chief Thompson read a few pages of a book to youngsters from the Ken Carlson Boys and Girls Club before passing out sweet treats. 

Be on the lookout for the Sweet Reads Truck this summer. The truck made its maiden voyage last weekend and is already scheduled to make other appearances in coming weeks.

For more information on Operation Sweet Reads visit www.wspolicefoundation.org.