RRPD, Fire Rescue team up for school supply drive

Rio Rancho Police Chief Stewart Steele was all smiles in the crowded lobby of Premiere Cinema Tuesday evening.

The chief not only watched as dozens of community members donated bags full of school supplies to Rio Rancho schools; he also watched a movie with his granddaughter.

Steele and RRPD partnered with Rio Rancho Fire Rescue for a Movie with a Cop and School Supply Drive at the Rio Rancho theater.

Police officers, including the very popular RRPD emotional support dog Rio, and firefighters were stationed in the lobby with several donation bins for the supplies.

After donations were dropped off in the lobby, people joined several police officers, including Steele and his granddaughter, and firefighters to watch “Despicable Me 4” at a discounted price.

“This was brought up by one of our captains who had an idea, and it's kind of building on something we do. We have community events where we do movies with a cop, and so we thought it would be a good idea to reach out to the school district, our firefighters,” Steele said. “What a perfect time to do a school drive. There's a lot of kids that don't have what they need, and it’s a perfect opportunity for us to all work together and fill that need if we can.”

The donated supplies will go to students in need for the upcoming school year via the Rio Rancho Educational Foundation.

The response and turnout for the event impressed Steele.

“They're bringing in school supplies, they're bringing in cash, donations, whatever it takes, and it will all go for kids to get school supplies,” Steele said. “I can’t put into words what the support of the community means. They’re supporting us and our younger generation.”

If you still wish to donate school supplies, they can be dropped off at the police department lobby until Thursday.