The Retired Police Officers Charity Organization

The Retired Police Officers Charity Organization in Richwood, NJ began as the Charitable Causes Committee within the New Jersey Retired Peace Officers Association. This committee was tasked with fundraising to support the charitable causes of our association. In 2011 the RPOCO became a recognized 501(c) 3 charitable organization. All donations made to the RPOCO are 100% deductible per IRS regulations. As we strive to keep administrative (accounting, filings and legal review) cost to a minimum, over 90% of every dollar donated is applied directly towards our charitable endeavors as listed below.

Our membership set a goal of raising $35,000 each year for our charitable endeavors. Some of the causes we support annually are:

• The Nathaniel Boerlin Scholarship Fund - a non-profit      organization dedicated to the passions of Nate Boerlin.  Nate was a      proud 16 year old honor student at Kingsway Regional High School who also      excelled as a percussionist.  Nate died suddenly in April 2007, from      complications of a GBM, GLIOBLASTOMA  MULTIFORME, an aggressive stage      IV brain cancer.  All proceeds from the Race will benefit the NBSF,      where a perpetual scholarship is given to a deserving graduate from      KRHS who emulates Nate's passions for learning and music.

• Faith and community based programs to assist local people in need.  Each year we identify groups who assist those in need right in the communities where we live. Last year generous monetary donations were made to programs in Glassboro, Malaga, Vineland, Bridgeton, West Deptford and Elmer.  We plan to continue to support these same non-profit organizations as well as expand the program in 2021.

• Youth sports programs:  Each year we support a variety of youth sports programs. We support teams year round from summer swimming to winter wrestling.  Sports programs give our young people an opportunity to expel energy in a positive manner, compete in a structured environment while making them more productive citizens.

• Medical research and Relay for Life: We support the fundraising efforts of high school students who participate in events such as "Relay for Life".  Our Organization will sponsor teams as they commit to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  Relay for Life requires commitment and dedication from our young citizens and culminates in a night-long fundraising effort.

• Scholarship program:   One scholarship is awarded annually to an eligible member of the association or his/her immediate family. The purpose of the program is to encourage community volunteerism and leadership.

The RPOCO generates monies to support our charitable endeavors through the RPOCO's clothing recycling program. The clothing collection program is currently a collaboration of our membership, NJRPOA and A & E Clothing Corporation collecting clothing from our clothing drop boxes.  The program has been successful thus far thanks to the many business owners who allow us to place drop boxes on their property. We also want to thank all the generous people who choose to put their used clothing in our boxes.