Grand Heights Early Childhood Center conducted its annual Cpl. D. Robert Harvey Thirst Responders Drive in early May, once again providing area first responders with the beverages they need to stay hydrated and healthy during the brutal summer months.
Volunteer Joyce Lewis reports the Eager Beavers’ efforts resulted in 2,076 cases of water, Gatorade and Powerade, which were donated during a May 10 ceremony to the Artesia Police and Fire Departments, the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, the Atoka, Riverside, Cottonwood, Loco Hills and Sun Country Volunteer Fire Departments, the Eddy County DWI Program, the New Mexico game wardens, and Eddy County Fire Services.
Among the annual contributions to the drive are several cases of water donated by the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department, with which Harvey – son of Grand Heights teacher Diana Harvey – was employed in 2009 when he was killed by a drunk driver while on duty.
In addition, numerous local businesses added to the final tally. Notable contributions were made by Halliburton (168 cases of water); Bulldog Pride (121 cases); Mark Reische Welding (60 cases of water); Wal-Mart (54 cases of water); Collins Tree Service (48 cases of water); John Deere (25 cases of water); Sonic (25 cases of water); Elite Well Service (24 cases of water); and Tate Branch Dodge (palette of drinks).
