EDMOND — A doughnut chain has a challenge for area residents — support Special Olympics and we’ll treat you to something sweet.

Flashing lights, squad cars and officers will draw attention to a good cause, the annual Cops on Doughnut Shops fundraiser for Special Olympics Oklahoma.

Oklahomans are encouraged to come see cops on top of Krispy Kreme Doughnut stores until midnight Friday, from 7 a.m. to midnight Saturday and from 7 a.m. to noon Sunday at the metro-area Krispy Kreme locations at 1024 S.W. 74th St. and 13500 N. Pennsylvania (near Quail Springs Mall).

Law enforcement agencies across Oklahoma will participate in an old fashioned stake-out at the Krispy-Kreme doughnut stores in Oklahoma City and Tulsa every year, said Special Olympics Oklahoma spokeswoman Jennifer Lightle.

Lightle said the event is made possible by Oklahoma Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics Oklahoma’s largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle.

The event raises some serious dough for Special Olympics. Many law enforcement agencies from across the state are represented, and Torch Run volunteers accept donations, greet customers and thank community members for their support.

Last year “Cops on Doughnut Shops” raised a “sweet” sum of $32,000 for Special Olympics Oklahoma, Lightle said. More than 20 law enforcement agencies from around Oklahoma will participate this year, when the goal is to raise $40,000, Lightle said.

Cops on Doughnut Shops supports the 9,500 Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes. More than 1,000 athletes from the Oklahoma City area compete, Lightle said.

Edmond cops have been participating in the event for some time.

Glynda Chu, spokeswoman for the Edmond Police Department, said Special Olympics is a wonderful event, one Edmond supports each year.

“To give children with special needs the opportunity to compete in sporting events and experience the thrill of participating is so important,” Chu said. “Each year the smiles from the children, and the joy they experience is contagious. We want to encourage everyone in the Edmond community to stop by and donate.”

Michael King, an Edmond police officer, said helping Special Olympics through the Torch Run is a very heartwarming and fulfilling opportunity. Many officers have commented that they were “hooked” after their first experience, King said.

Often times, officers face various challenges as they take part in fundraising events such as sitting on a rooftop during Cops on Donut Shops and braving ice cold water at the Polar Plunge, King said.

“These temporary challenges that officers must overcome are minor compared to the challenges Special Olympics athletes face and overcome every day,” King said.

Lightle said funds raised directly affect the lives of Oklahoma athletes.

“The effect is huge,” she said. “It helps them gain confidence, a positive self-image that carries into their homes, into the classroom and into their communities.”

During the event Krispy Kreme Doughnuts provides incentives such as free doughnuts, coffee and T-shirts for donations to Special Olympics Oklahoma. Volunteers from law enforcement agencies take donations and thank community members for their support.

Customers who donate $5-$9.99 will receive a free original glazed doughnut and medium coffee.

Customers who donate $10-$24.99 will receive a free dozen original glazed doughnuts.

Customers who donate $25-$49.99 will receive a free dozen original glazed doughnuts and a Cops on Doughnut Shops T-shirt (while supplies last).

Customers who donate $50 or more will receive a free coupon for one dozen original glazed doughnuts every month for a year and a Cops on Doughnut Shops T-shirt (while supplies last).

The 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games were July 18-23 in Lincoln, Neb. Team Oklahoma traveled 55 athletes who competed in aquatics, bocce, bowling, golf, powerlifting, soccer and volleyball.

The Oklahoma 2011 Winter Games will be Jan. 7-8 at the University of Oklahoma Norman campus. Athletes will arrive from 14 geographic areas of Oklahoma where they compete locally.

Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes will compete in bowling, basketball, basketball skills, volleyball and volleyball skills. Other events include Stars of the Future and Olympic Village.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to plan, organize and accomplish a successful Winter Games every year. People interested in volunteering at Winter Games should contact the state office at 918-481-1234 or send e-mail to info@sook.org.

For more information about Special Olympics Oklahoma, call 918-481-1234 or visit www.sook.org.



marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 367