"The sky's the limit:" Gracious donor steps up to say 'thank you' to local police

MILWAUKEE -- Their goal is to thank local police officers for their service, but now organizers of an upcoming event are extending gratitude toward someone else. A generous donor has stepped forward to pay for "Thank a Police Officer Day."

A local business owner saw the report that aired on FOX6 News this past Labor Day. A group of Milwaukee Police Department wives and significant others who wanted to show appreciation by giving free snacks and drinks to all Milwaukee police officers. Now, this 'thank you' will extend far beyond just Milwaukee.

This is just a small sample of the thousands of gift bags that will soon be given out to police officers in our area.

"It took off quicker than we could keep up with it," said Michelle, spouse of MPD officer.

Originally, a group of significant others of Milwaukee police officers just wanted to do something nice for cops on 'Thank a Police Officer Day' this coming Saturday, September 19th.

"We just wanted a thank you for them, to be honest.  All we wanted was for someone to go up to them and shake their hand and say thank you," said Michelle.

When FOX6 News first met them earlier this month, the group was hoping to raise $500 to buy goodie bags filled with snacks and water to give out to every MPD officer.

The report caught the attention of business owner Stan Kass, Owner of Skylark Automatic Vending.

"The sky's the limit," said Kass.

Kass is donating all of the snacks himself, teaming up with the MPD wives, and a group called Shielded Hearts to expand the gesture far beyond the Milwaukee.

"Right now, what I want to do is expand it to all first responders: Milwaukee County, Ozaukee County for the firemen and policemen," Kass said.

Kass isn't putting a dollar amount on his donation, he's keeping it open ended.  Each bag will also have a note from local school children -- yet another way to say thank you.

When they're having a bad day, they can pull it out of their pocket and read what a child really thinks of them, some of them are really sweet," said Robyn Booth, organizer.

Kass says he's lived in the Milwaukee area for most of his life -- and grateful for the service of all branches of law enforcement.

Items will be distributed on Saturday, September 19th.

In addition to the donations from Kass, hundreds of donations have come in through members of the community.

Organizers want to thank everyone for helping out.