Vigo County---On Saturday, February 23, troopers from the Putnamville Post, along with some of their family members, took time to have fun and fellowship with a group of disabled adults at the local Terre Haute Happiness Bag Facility. During the heartwarming day, troopers and participants from Happiness Bag shared lunch and camaraderie, and enjoyed several games of basketball. The competition was fun, but simple friendship was the order of the day.

For the past several years, various troopers from the local post have donated their time to play basketball with the Happiness Bag students with disabilities. The games with the Indiana State Police are eagerly anticipated every year by the students and troopers alike, and are considered a valuable community outreach.

Participating troopers were Chris Effner, Tom Hannon, Joe Watts, Chris Wright, Troy Stanton, Ty Lightle, Bill Bradbury, Michael Featherling, and Erik Smith. ISP family members on the court were Lori and Megan Effner, Betsy Hannon, and Chase and Chandler Stanton. The team was coached by ISP retiree Dale Mullikin.

Happiness Bag Incorporated is an independent, non-profit United Way agency that provides recreational and educational programs and services to individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities in the Wabash Valley. For more information about Happiness Bag Inc., please contact Executive Director Jodi Moan at 812-234-8867.

In part, the Indiana State Police Mission Statement states “We will assist the public at any time and in any manner possible” and the Happiness Bag Mission Statement reads “Happiness Bag, Inc. is dedicated to providing adapted educational and recreational services and programs that encourage the unique potential of children and adults with disabilities.” Saturday’s games were a simple collaboration of the mission statements of both agencies and a great success.