Our Impact

Over 500 children and adults showcased their skills and sportsmanship during the Flip League at West Ashley’s Forest Park. More than just a basketball league, the Flip League fosters stronger community ties and provides a platform for healthy competition and camaraderie with Charleston’s police officers.

Every summer, children eagerly anticipate the start of Camp Hope, a transformative five-week program with a twist. The camp counselors are police officers. They provide a home away from home filled with fun, learning, and personal growth.

The Charleston Police Department’s K9 Unit is vital in protecting our community. From conducting narcotics sweeps to tracking down suspects, these specially trained dogs put their lives on the line daily.

LENS supported the CPD in hosting their annual Halloween Howl event where the police welcomed the Charleston community into the precinct and officers distributed candy and other snacks, donated by LENS, to the youth.

LENS partnered with the CPD to hold its first outreach event with the Hispanic Community. Over 120 people attended, and 20 bikes were given to the youth by our partner, Pedals 4 Peanuts.

The Charleston Police Department’s Mounted Horse Patrol plays a vital role in public safety. Mounted Patrol officers are highly visible and approachable, making them a reassuring presence.

Elevated on horseback, officers have a clear view of their surroundings, allowing them to monitor large gatherings and detect potential issues more effectively.

LENS and CPD volunteers work together to wrap, and deliver gifts to over 300 local children and families for the holidays.

For this event, children who have experienced violent crimes, or lost a loved one to a violent crime, got the chance go shopping for the day with a Charleston Police Officer. LENS donated funds to provide each child with a budget to spend.

For the last 3 years, the CPD has held a fundraiser and gift collection for the Fisher and Ronald McDonald Houses’. This year, LENS contributed funds to purchase gifts for the police officers to deliver to children in Charleston.

LENS donated the food and drinks for the CPD’s 2nd Annual Open House. This event is open to the public and is a great way for the community to get to know the officers and tour their department.

CPD has a basketball team that plays exhibition games in the community. These games are played against high school kids in the community which helps to develop better relationships and offers the CPD to discuss challenges like bullying etc.

Provide the Community Outreach Division with a large Cargo trailer to carry supplies, equipment , bicycles etc. Trailer will be used to carry supplies, equipment , bicycles to and from community outreach events allowing officers to more easily interact with community kids.

Establish the only Charleston Police Executive Leadership Summit in South Carolina run by the CPD. This program is designed to provide officers with the knowledge and skills to be successful leaders.

Program focused on teaching children conflict resolution strategies, in partnership with School Resource Officers (SRO). Focus is on teaching young children how to better mange through conflicts in their lives including support from teachers and police officers.

Providing families identified by CPD with Thanksgiving dinners. Brings the CPD and these families closer together.

Our howl-arious annual Halloween costume contest for dogs benefits the Charleston Police Department’s K9 Unit and its public safety initiatives. The K9 Unit demonstrates how it keeps our city safe while Watson and Holmes, the hero horses of the Mounted Patrol, greet visitors.