Supported Charities
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital hosts an annual fundraising relay run from Mattoon to Peoria, where participants must reach a specific fundraising goal to join. Every dollar raised goes directly to support the hospital's mission.
Members of Mattoon PB&PA #35 support the event by driving a Mattoon Police Department squad car with active emergency lights, providing a safety escort for the runners along the 148-mile public route. This visible presence gives participants peace of mind on the open road. In addition to driving support, some officers participate directly in the run after meeting their own fundraising requirements. All officers involved—whether driving or running—volunteer their personal time. Throughout the journey, officers also assist in collecting spontaneous donations from community members and passing them along to St. Jude representatives.
Members of Mattoon PB&PA #35 support the event by driving a Mattoon Police Department squad car with active emergency lights, providing a safety escort for the runners along the 148-mile public route. This visible presence gives participants peace of mind on the open road. In addition to driving support, some officers participate directly in the run after meeting their own fundraising requirements. All officers involved—whether driving or running—volunteer their personal time. Throughout the journey, officers also assist in collecting spontaneous donations from community members and passing them along to St. Jude representatives.
Relay For Life
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a community fundraising event for those battling cancer. Members of the Mattoon Police Department and Mattoon Fire Department have a yearly softball game in which money is raised for Relay For Life. In 2026, Mattoon PD was the winner of this event and the money raised was donated to the Relay For Life event that was held in Mattoon.
Salvation Army
Since 2025, officers with the police department will "Ring the Bell" at various businesses in order to raise donations to the Salvation Army during the Christmas season. We do this in conjunction with members of the Mattoon Fire Department as a friendly competition as one of the Battle of The Badges events.
Trunk or Treat
Each year the Mattoon Police Department sends officers to downtown Broadway Ave. While there, officers interact with the public, help pass out candy to children and provide security for citizens while the event takes place. This is typically a large event and an event that allows officers to have a positive impact with everyone that attends.
Special Olympics
Officers within Mattoon PD participate annually with two events that help the Special Olympics raise money. Officers go to Dunkin' Donuts for their "Cop on a Rooftop" event. While there, officers sit atop the business roof, engage with customers, help collect any donations, and spend time with athletes within the Special Olympics.
Also, officers participate in "Tip a Cop" at Texas Roadhouse. Officers greet customers at the door, take them to their table, explain any special menu items and explain why we are there. This event allows officers to continue their relationship with athletes within Special Olympics, Special Olympics employees, and Mattoon citizens. Texas Roadhouse is always busy, so it opens a door for officers to meet citizens they may have never met before.
All donations from both events go directly to Special Olympics. None of the donations are kept for the police department.
Also, officers participate in "Tip a Cop" at Texas Roadhouse. Officers greet customers at the door, take them to their table, explain any special menu items and explain why we are there. This event allows officers to continue their relationship with athletes within Special Olympics, Special Olympics employees, and Mattoon citizens. Texas Roadhouse is always busy, so it opens a door for officers to meet citizens they may have never met before.
All donations from both events go directly to Special Olympics. None of the donations are kept for the police department.
Cops for Kids
Cops for Kids is a program where officers try to collect donations throughout the year to help fund the program. The program allows the police department to purchase various items for children for Christmas. Typically, officers will be one on one with a family and walk with them around the store to purchase items for their Christmas. Officers will offer input on things they need, for example, new clothes, shoes, school-related items, and toys. This event allows officers to purchase Christmas gifts for kids who otherwise may not be able to receive anything for Christmas. This is one of the most fulfilling events our department could be a part of.
Safe Passage
The Mattoon Police Department hosts a Safe Passage program for those with substance abuse issues looking for recovery. The department has teamed with regional recovery centers, counselors, and volunteers to accomplish this goal. Our doors are open 24/7 for anyone looking for passage. The goal is to get you the help you are ready for, at whatever moment you are ready for it.
Battle of The Badges
The Mattoon Police Department participates in a blood donation day for various blood donation companies. Sometimes, this is for ImpactLife and some years it is for American Red Cross. During this event, officers "battle" with surrounding agencies. This is between Mattoon PD, Mattoon FD, Charleston PD, and Charleston FD. When someone comes in to donate blood, they have to pick which agency they are donating blood for. To note, Mattoon PD is the year-after-year reigning champion for this event.