Bettendorf Police Department's New Patch Now Available During World Autism Month

APRIL 10, 2024 - It's colorful, symbolic, and helps two local nonprofits doing great work in our community.

The Bettendorf Police Department is partnering with the Quad Cities Autism Center and Hand in Hand to raise awareness and money during World Autism Month in April. As part of that fundraiser, a brand-new patch featuring colorful puzzle pieces is now available for a $10 donation at the Family Museum and Bettendorf Public Library, which are both Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC), as well as at the Bettendorf Police Department and LiveWell Chiropractic & Wellness Center, 3456 Holiday Court A in Bettendorf. Those interested can also order the patch online from Code 4 Public Safety Emblems in Davenport or apparel that showcases the patch from LogoPro in Bettendorf by clicking here until April 21, 2024.

100% of the proceeds will go to the Quad Cities Autism Center and Hand in Hand. For more information, please see below.

MARCH 22, 2024 - You've seen them sport pink in October. Now, the Bettendorf Police Department is adding something bright and colorful to their dark uniforms in April.

April is World Autism Month and for the first time, Bettendorf Police is partnering with the Quad Cities Autism Center and Hand in Hand to raise awareness and money for these two local nonprofits doing great work in our community.

To do that, Bettendorf Police has worked with Code 4 Public Safety Emblems in Davenport to design a brand-new patch that features colorful puzzle pieces, which is a symbol used by several autism awareness and acceptance groups. The Autism Awareness Patch is in addition to the Bettendorf Police's Breast Cancer Awareness Patch featured every October that coincides with the Pink Patch Project, a national public awareness campaign.

GET INVOLVED: Bettendorf Police are not the only ones supporting this cause. Anyone can pre-order a patch for $10 along with apparel that showcases the patch at www.bettendorf.org/PatchStore. The online store, created by LogoPro in Bettendorf, is open until March 31, 2024 at 11pm. Patches will also be available to purchase in April at the Family Museum and the Bettendorf Public Library, which are both Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC), as well as at the Bettendorf Police Department and LiveWell Chiropractic & Wellness Center, 3456 Holiday Court A in Bettendorf. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Quad Cities Autism Center and Hand in Hand:

"100% of the funds we receive will go towards our Quad Cities Autism Center Grant Program," said Michelle Smyth, Quad Cities Autism Center Director. "This program helps families in financial need afford research-based autism therapy. Out-of-pocket costs can be staggering and the Quad Cities Autism Center Grant Program makes it possible for many families every year to access the medically necessary treatment their child desperately needs."

"We are deeply grateful to have been selected as one of the charities for these funds," said Angie Kendall, Hand in Hand CEO. "With your generous support, we can continue to provide our inclusive programs, ensuring that every child and adult, regardless of ability, can learn and grow into empowered individuals. Your contribution will make a meaningful difference in fostering a more inclusive Quad Cities community."

"We ask that you join the Bettendorf Police Department in helping us increase awareness, understanding, and celebrate those with autism," said Keith Kimball, Bettendorf Police Chief. "By showing this support we can strive to reach the goal of achieving true acceptance for those with autism in our communities."