Thousands turn out for Day of Giving; donations for fallen PSPD officers

UPDATE: 10:41 p.m.

From early morning, until late in the evening, thousands formed a line to help the families of officers Gil Vega and Lesley Zerebny, who lived on a line thin and blue. “This is the first time we’ve experienced an officer down in the line of duty,” Norm Lofthus said. “And I just wanted to help.” People from all backgrounds came from near and far, to donate about $270,000 for families now and in the future. “We’re setting money aside for Officer Vega’s daughter and Officer Zerebny’s daughter, and it’s just being held for their college needs,” Financial Advisor Kari Middleton-Hendrix said. “And I know that every dollar raised is going to go directly to the families.” But no matter how big the donations may have been, love was the universal gift Friday, given to those who’ve had some close to their hearts taken too soon. “It takes you back,” Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes said. “There’s love in this community. There’s love throughout the country. But now, it’s great to see the TV stations actually display something good going on, instead of negative all the time. There’s a lot of good left in people’s hearts.” Saturday, Firehouse Subs locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert will be donating part of their proceeds to the families of Officers Vega and Zerebny. Donations can still be made online through the Palm Springs Police Officers’ Association.

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ORIGINAL STORY: 10/12 3:13 p.m.

The tragedy in Palm Springs, has brought many of us together in a time of grief. This includes all of the valley local TV and radio stations. Please be sure to join us Friday as KESQ, CBS Local 2, and KUNA-TV, are joined by all other valley TV and radio stations to gather at Palm Springs City Hall for a day of giving.

The money raised, will go to help the families of the fallen officers, Jose “Gil” Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny. We will all be at Palm Springs City Hall beginning at 5am and will be taking donations until 7pm.

Event Info: 5 am to 7 pm at Palm Springs City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Only Cash or Checks will be accepted. Checks should be made out to the Palm Springs Police Officer’s Association.

OTHER WAYS TO DONATE:

· The Palm Springs Police Officers Memorial Foundation is the primary source for all donations.

· You can donate online at palmspringspoa.com

· You can also walk into any Bank of America and write a check to: Palm Springs Police Officers Memorial Foundation

· You can also send donations to the following address: Palm Springs Police Officers Association Address: 180 N Luring Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

· Please specify which family your donation is intended, or simply indicate both officers on your donation

· We cannot confirm the validity of any on-line funding sources other than the Palm Springs Police Officers Memorial Foundation.

· You can also come directly to PSPD and provide donations and they will be routed accordingly.

· If you are interested in conducting an independent fundraiser for the officer and would like to coordinate your efforts with the Police Officers Association you can email them at info@palmspringspoa.com. For any questions please email – PSPDPIO@palmspringsca.gov