Kokomo shop raises $2,000 for deputies’ families
KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) — Week in and week out, the same tools are the most popular items at Handy Hardware.
“Keys, nuts bolts, screws,” owner Debbie Schmitt said.
This week, a newcomer made the list.
“Everybody was wanting blue light bulbs. So I decided to order a few,” said Schmitt
A few, as in 400. Schmitt stocked up Wednesday and figured she’d never run out.
Two hours later, she ran out.
She drove to Menard’s and spent hundreds of dollars on 500 more blue lights.
“We want to help the community and the families and the officers. It’s just giving back to our community,” Schmitt said.
Schmitt isn’t selling the bulbs.
She’s giving them away. In return, she’s only accepting donations. All the money goes to the families of Deputy Carl Koontz and Sgt. Jordan Buckley of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office.
Koontz was shot and killed on the job and Buckley was injured on the same call.
“When things are down, [community members] get together and it’s nice to see everybody supporting all this,” Schmitt said.
Handy Hardware has raised more than $2,000. The staff made two more trips to Menards and placed multiple orders from another supplier for blue bulbs.
Customers see it as a way to say thanks. A way to give back to a man who gave his life for their safety.
“They’re due our respect and honor for what they did. It’s a hard job,” Michael Blake said.
“We need to do something about it. They need taken care of,” Justin Hosier said.
Once again, the Schmitts are running low on blue bulbs. They already ordered some more. They’re yours, free of charge, no matter how much it costs them.
“Just doing whatever we can to help,” Schmitt said.
Schmitt said the store has given out about 1,000 bulbs.