Walmart awards NPD $2,500 grant

Walmart has once again continued its partnership with the Newton Police Department by awarding a Local Community Grant of $2,500 to allow the department to purchase equipment to teach about the dangers of distracted and drunk driving.

According to the press release from the NPD, equipment will include two, adult-sized pedal go-karts and impairment goggles that will allow the department to simulate what it is like to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It also includes traffic cones that will be used to develop a driving course.

“This project would not be possible without Newton Walmart’s support, and we appreciate their continued commitment to our department and community. The pedal go-karts coupled with the impairment goggles will allow citizens to learn firsthand about the dangers of driving intoxicated or distracted, and we are excited to deploy this valuable program within the community,” Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess said.

The Newton Walmart has a history of supporting the community, whether it is through donating money to the police department or supporting other organizations, and it is important to Walmart they give back to the community.

“My associates are a part of the community. Their families live here, they live here and it is very important for us to be able to give back to the community,” store director Erin Heim said.

Last year, Walmart awarded a $2,500 grant to the NPD for the bodycam system. Provding funds for additional safety equipment continues its efforts to create a safer community for residents.

“I just kept a good relationship with chief Burdess so he reached out to me that they had another program coming up,” Heim said.

Walmart is well established in the Newton community, and Heim said the most important part about lending its supporting is asking her associates what they think is important and what they feel strongly about. It is something that will continue into the future.

"Really everybody in this building, our roots are here and our families are here and so it is great for us to be able to come out and give back to the community," Heim said. "We want it to be local. We want it to be here. We want to give back to our community."

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com