Peacekeepers Appreciation Day will honor 14th and 35th District police in a day of fun Saturday

The Northwest Community Coalition for Youth, and the 14th and 35th United Block Captains Association will honor peacekeepers on Saturday.

At the third annual Peacekeepers Appreciation Day, police officers, SEPTA and high school officers, and crossing guards will be celebrated at the Morris Estate Recreation Center, 1610 Chelten Ave., with a cookout from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event started in 2009 after seven or eight officers had been shot and killed in the previous year.

A survivor fund, which helps families take care of funeral expenses, was depleted, said Eric Hardaway, one of the coordinators for the event.

The first two years it was held near the 14th Police District at Awbury Park. It was changed to the Morris Estate to put it closer to the 35th district to give officers who couldn’t attend before a chance this year.

Meals and activities are free for the peacekeepers and children less than 5 years old. Others will have to pay $10. This money will be used to pay for food, and the rest will go to the survivor fund. The first year, the event raised $1,300, there were about 250 officers present. Last year, the event earned $1,500 for the fund, but organizers have not set a goal for this year.

“This is a rough economy right now,” Hardaway said. “Whatever they decide they contribute, they contribute. If you can, great. If you can’t, we love you anyway.”

Supporters who cannot attend can also mail money to the 35th Police District. Call 215-686-3350 for district information.