ANGOLA, IN - The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges nationwide and at the community level; however, Steuben County rose to the occasion and pulled through for area kids in need.

Wednesday morning was the annual WLKI Cops for Kids Pie Auction. The annual event raises money that stays in the community and helps area school age children at Angola, Fremont, Hamilton, and Prairie Heights school districts have a better holiday season.

In a six hour time span on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, over $42,000 and counting has been raised. The money will be used to make sure area kids have have warm clothing from head to toe, including a winter coat. Each child will also have at least one Christmas gift, which is usually a toy item.

Cops for kids is a local partnership between police officers, first responders, and emergency personnel. They partner with local schools to identify children in need. This year at least 125 children will be helped.

Funds raised is certainly a total community effort for all who take part. The idea that over $42-thousand can be raised locally in a 6 hour time span is a reminder that challenges like COVID-19 may have changed how we live day to day, but it doesn’t have to take away our kindness to help those who need it.