The Renton Police Department (RPD) is back in action, and this time, they’re playing with the big leagues — elementary school students.

Each year, the Police Department seeks to support youth programs with the proceeds donated from the annual Return to Renton Car Show. This year, they partnered with the Renton School District to provide athletic equipment for each second grader in the district.

According to the RPD’s Facebook page, “the goal was to give each child something they could take home and would help them develop a habit of staying active and healthy.”

From March 29 to April 1, officers visited 59 classrooms in 15 elementary schools and handed out equipment to 1,342 students personally.

“It was a good experience,” said Commander David Leibman. “They were excited to get the athletic equipment but they were equally or more excited to meet a police officer. For most of these kids, that was the first time they’ve ever been close to a police officer.”

“The donation of P.E. equipment to children by the Renton Police is yet another way we work together to keep children healthy and safe at school and in their community,” said Randy Matheson, district spokesperson.

RPD will continue their interaction with the kids in this community Saturday, April 9, at the “Cops, Kids and Teens” event. As part of the Real Issues, Real Solutions community forum series hosted by the Renton African-American Pastors Group and the city, this family event will include a chance for kids to play games and sports with officers, explore patrol cars and motorcycles, and get a picture with RPD’s K-9s. The free event will be from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., April 9 at Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy.