By Stan Karpf, GSAC Board Member
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Wednesday, January 15, was the first Naples City Council Meeting of the year 2025, and along with it came the first “Do the Right Thing” presentation of the New Year. GSAC was honored to be the January sponsor of this terrific event.
“Do the Right Thing” is a national program sponsored locally by the Naples Police Department, coordinated internally by Master Officer Sean Phillips, and sponsored by long-time Naples resident Patrick O’Connor.
The way it works is local residents are asked to nominate the City of Naples children for their exceptional behavior in doing something good or “Doing the Right Thing.”
There are those who believe that the youth of our country are known not to do the right thing, this program celebrates that they do!
Every other month a presentation is held at a Naples City Council meeting honoring those children selected by a “Do the Right Thing” board composed of local residents.
Wednesday’s honorees were a brother and sister team who attend The Community School of Naples. These two children hosted a Christmas party at their home and asked all those attending to bring a wrapped gift to be donated to Operation Fill a Patrol Car. Operation Fill A Patrol Car is another program sponsored by our Police Department to raise money and collect Holiday gifts for needy children in our community.
Another student, a second grader from Lake Park Elementary school was honored because he heard another student say he was going to harm another student and he reported it, his action prevented another child from being injured. Both students receive trophies and backpacks for “Doing the Right Thing”.
This program, since its inception in 2012, has honored over two hundred children. Anyone can nominate a child, the nominated child must be a City of Naples resident. To nominate a child, go to the Naples Police Department APP, click ”Do the Right Thing,” and then click “Nominate a child.”
If you would like to start the day off with a feel-good experience, plan on attending the next “Do the Right Thing” presentation. The next presentation will be held at a March City Council Meeting, date to be announced. The meeting commences at 8:30AM; check the Naples city website, Naples.gov, for the date; it will be located under city council meetings, and click on the agenda for details.
A big thank you to all those involved in this terrific program, just like those honored, we all need to remember to “Do the Right Thing!”
