News Release



For further information please contact: Sergeant John Hotz

(816) 622-0800

A090304

September 15,2003



EMPHASIS: News Conference announcing the creation of the Trooper Michael L. Newton Memorial Toy Fund

Captain Vincent J. Ellis, Commanding Officer of Troop A, is excited to announce the creation of the Trooper Michael L. Newton Memorial Toy Fund. The fund will be a cooperative effort between the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the citizens we serve. The fund is designed to help children who are forced to spend the Christmas Holiday season in the hospital. All donations to the fund will be delivered to kids at Children’s Mercy Hospital and KU Medical Center. Troopers will deliver the toys personally to the kids during the month of December.



Toy donations in Missouri may be made at Troop A Headquarters located at 504 SE Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64063. Toy donations in Kansas may be made at Troop A Headquarters located at 1220 S. Enterprise, Olathe, Kansas 66061. Monetary donations can be made to the Missouri State Trooper’s Association at 504 SE Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64063. Children’s Mercy Hospital is registered at Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, and Target stores. The patrol will be working with these stores at special events over the next few months.



The Patrol will host a news conference announcing the creation of the fund on September 18, 2003. The news conference will start at 11:00 am. The news conference will be hosted at Troop A Headquarters in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Captain Ellis stated the death of Trooper Newton has left a huge void in the lives of friends, co-workers, and family. This toy drive will be an excellent way to honor Michael’s memory.