‘Cops on Top’ set for Friday in Capital Region

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y.» Dunkin’ Donuts is once again holding its “Cops on Top” campaign to benefit Special Olympics New York.

Local law enforcement officials will stand on the rooftop of participating area Dunkin’ Donuts locations on Friday while Special Olympics athletes collect donations at each location to help support the cost of their athletic training and future competitions.

This rooftop sit-in is meant to raise awareness for Special Olympics athletes.

Community members are invited to visit the participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants to support the officers, visit with Special Olympics athletes and their families, and make donations to Special Olympics New York.

Dunkin’ Donuts will offer guests a coupon for a free doughnut as a thank you when guests make a monetary donation to the organization.

“Dunkin’ Donuts is honored to support the vital efforts and programs of Special Olympics New York to enhance the lives of both children and adults with developmental disabilities,” Dunkin’ Donuts integrated marketing manager Eric Stensland said in a press release. “We’re thrilled to be able to partner with our network of generous guests to support this important organization.”

The participating Capital Region Dunkin’ Donuts locations are 1425 Washington Ave. in Albany; 749 Hoosick St. in Troy; 1003 Troy Schenectady Rd. in Latham; 135 W. Campbell Rd. in Rotterdam; 1900 Curry Rd. in Schenectady; 2060 Western Ave. in Guilderland; 97 Troy Rd. in East Greenbush; 92 Saratoga St. in Cohoes; Upper Broadway in Ft. Edward, 365 Dix Ave. in Queensbury, 509 Rt. 67 in Malta, 194 Church Ave. in Ballston Spa; 17 Mohawk Ave. in Scotia and 266 Saratoga Rd. in Glenville.

The initiative has generated more than $30,000 since its inception in 2015.

All contributions generated from the campaign will support Special Olympics New York programs for Capital Region families.

Special Olympics New York is a not- for- profit organization working to provide yearround sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic- style sports for children and adults with developmental disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community. It provides year-round sports training and competition in 23 Olympic- style sports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities at no cost to the athletes, their families or caregivers. There are 66,835 athletes and unified partners that train and compete with Special Olympics New York, the largest Special Olympics program in North America.

More information about Special Olympics New York is available online at www.nyso.org.

RECORD FILE PHOTO Investigator Zachary Sharpe of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office uses a bullhorn to urge customers at the Dunkin’ Donuts in Brunswick to donate to the 2017Cop on Top fundraiser for Special Olympics New York.

RECORD FILE PHOTO Sgt. Jamie Panichi of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office takes a donation from a drive-through customer at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Hoosick Street in Brunswick during last year’s annual Cop on Top fundraiser for Special Olympics New York.