Editor’s Note: The following is the ninth and final installment
in a series of articles connecting our readers to the area’s most
needy residents during the holiday season.
Morgan Hill – When a teenager has no place to call home, the basic necessities of life are difficult to obtain, not to mention “normal” teen activities such as attending school and participating in extra-curricular programs, hanging out with friends.
When Morgan Hill police officer Mike Nelsen discovered a teenager in this situation, he made a decision to help, and, with the Morgan Hill Police Officers’ Association, he is arranging for this teenager to have some help.
The POA has a program called “Cops Who Care,” and officers raise money each year to donate to a family or a cause they believe is deserving. This year, according to POA President David Ray, the group voted to donate $1,000 to assist the teen Nelsen brought to their attention.
Because of the extremely emotional and volatile nature of the situation, the Morgan Hill Times is not identifying the teen or providing photos like those that have accompanied other stories in the “Lifting Spirits” series.
Nelsen said the POA could accept cash and gift card donations on behalf of the teen. Donations can be sent to the Morgan Hill POA, P.O. Box 1583, Morgan Hill, CA 95038. A reference to “Lifting Spirits” – written in the memo line of a check, for example – will identify donations as designated for this teenager.
What caught his attention, Nelsen said, was the teenager’s plight, but the attitude that this teenager has exhibited in dealing with a situation that would be overwhelming for anyone, but especially a young person.
“Something like this is bad any time during the year, but somehow it seems even worse during the holiday season,” he said.
School officials who have worked with Nelsen to aid the teen said the officer has gone “above and beyond” his responsibilities as a law-enforcement official.
“He told us that he sees so many bad things, so many bad decisions, in his work, that he was touched particularly by (the teen’s) determination to do what is right and continue with an education,” the school official said.
Others have reached out to help, as well, Nelsen added, including a private school in Morgan Hill and a hospital in San Jose.
HOW TO HELP
The Police Officers Association will accept cash and gift card donations on behalf of the teen. Donations can be sent to the Morgan Hill POA, P.O. Box 1583, Morgan Hill, CA 95038. A reference to “Lifting Spirits” – written in the memo line of a check, for example – will identify donations as designated for this teenager.
Marilyn Dubil covers education and law enforcement for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106 ext. 202 or at md****@*************es.com.
