County, Volunteers Team Up to Put Kids First

Several thousand youngsters in Palm Beach County are ready for the new school year, thanks to the Sheriff's Office and the Kenwood Estates Community Residents Association. Together they held their fourth annual Putting Kids First back-to-school event July 29 at schools in Greenacres and Belle Glade.

Children received home computers, book bags, and classroom supplies such as calculators, pencils, notebooks and markers. There were also free haircuts and face painting, as well as visits by Ronald McDonald and McGruff the Crime Dog.

Kenwood Estates organized the first Putting Kids First event in 2003, thanks in part to Countywide Community Redevelopment Team (CCRT) funding arranged by Commissioner Jeff Koons. Along with the Sheriff's Community Policing Unit, the program now benefits more than 5,000 children each year.

Commissioner Koons presents a plaque of appreciation to Renee Deese, president of the Kenwood Estates Community Residents Association, which founded Putting Kids First. Also pictured are Brandi Yaun, 14, and Lydia Andracchi, 7.

A quick trim for Jacqueline Cruz, 5.

Dayanna Echeverri, 11, is all set.