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MILWAUKEE -- Hundreds of teens came out for free books, backpack, and food Saturday at the Milwaukee Police Academy. Organizers drew the teens in an effort to raise awareness of the new S.T.O.P program.
The program is a partnership between the Milwaukee Police and Milwaukee Public Schools. It launches in the schools this fall; the goal is to build better relationships between students and the officers in their schools.
Saturday's event also gave a platform to other youth groups, like "Lead 2 Change."
"We're also doing our summer survey, which we do every three years," said Angellic Ross, "It's our second time doing it and it's basically to get better evaluation of the needs of youth in Milwaukee."
Getting teens to speak up about those issues has been a challenge both for groups and the police. The organizations felt a big event could raise awareness while getting youth to speak up in an open setting.
"There are so many people here, we're so encouraged, we're so excited to see all the turnout," said organizer Kati Tillema.
The Milwaukee Youth Council also had a table at the bash. One member of the group says joining the organization made it easier for her to speak up.
"They just care about what other people think - 'oh if I do this, they ain't gonna like me," said Takiya Eiland, "But just do you - they might wanna follow, they might be like 'oh she's doing that? It looks like fun."
The emcee of Saturday's event was FOX6's own Beverly Taylor.