By Bob Bong
Police departments across the south suburbs are gearing up for another high-flying fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois.
Police will be hanging out at more than 325 Dunkin’ Donut coffee shops across Illinois starting at 5 a.m. Friday, May 19, for another edition of Cop on a Rooftop. They will be collecting donations until noon.
Anyone who donates will receive a coupon for a free donut. Anyone who donates $10 or more will also receive a coupon for a free medium hot or iced coffee.
This will be the 20th year that Dunkin’ and the Law Enforcement Torch Run have partnered to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics athletes in their local communities.
Since 2003, the event has raised more than $7.6 million for Special Olympics Illinois.
Special Olympics athletes, their families, and special guests will join law enforcement officials to show their support for Special Olympics Illinois.
In honor of Special Olympics athletes and the law enforcement officials participating in this annual event, Dunkin’ will donate $15,000 to the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
Locally, Orland Park police will be busy prowling the roofs at three locations: 11309 W. 143rd St., 14461 S. LaGrange Road, and 15615 S. Harlem Ave.
Palos Heights coppers will be on the roof at 11849 Southwest Highway and at 12807 S. Harlem Avenue.
Palos Park officers will be collecting at 13029 S. LaGrange Road.
In Hickory Hills, officers will be at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 7847 W. 95th St.
Worth officers will be at the Dunkin’ at 6707 W. 111th St.
Oak Lawn police will be patrolling the roofs at 10801 S. Cicero Ave., 10301 S. Central Ave. and 8940 S. Cicero Ave.
Palos Hills donations will be taken at 10340 S. Harlem Ave.
In Homer Glen, donations will be taken at 14135 S. Bell Road
Bridgeview officers will be at the Dunkin’ at 7949 W. 79th St. in Bridgeview.
Burbank police will patrol the roof at 8049 S. Harlem Ave. in Burbank.
In Brookfield, officers will be collecting at the Dunkin’ at 9208 Ogden Ave.
In Countryside, officers will again be on the prowl at the Dunkin’ at 5500 S. La Grange Road.
In Hodgkins, officers will be collecting donations at the location at 9400 Joliet Road.
Justice police will be at the Dunkin’ at 7801 Archer Road.
In McCook, officers will be at 8147 W. Joliet Road and in the intersection as well.
Summit’s finest will be out and about at the Dunkin’ at 6144 S. Harlem Ave.
In Forest View, officers will patrol the Dunkin’ at 4501 S. Harlem Ave.
Willow Spring’s finest will be at 8424 S. Willow Springs Road
In Chicago, the men and women in blue will be at 5615 S. Harlem Ave.
Chicago Ridge police were not approved to take part this year, but they are selling shirts and hats at Village Hall and at the Police Station to raise money.
Officers will also be at Berger Station, 10236 Ridgeland Ave., from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, to help raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
For a full list of participating locations, visit coponarooftop.com.
Donations can also be made online at https://soill.donordrive.com/