With schools closed and orders from the state to stay at home, children throughout Pennsylvania are sorely missing spending time with their friends. For many Sheckler Elementary School students, that includes Officers Patrick Best and Jenna Potak, the Catasauqua Area School District school resource officers.

Hopeful to stay connected with students despite the shutdown, Catasauqua Police Department introduced the Chalk Your Walk campaign in the borough, where children and residents are asked to write encouraging chalk messages on the sidewalks for first responders.

The department took to Facebook to spread the word, saying “write a message/draw a picture on your walkway/driveway for all the first responders who are still out working during this tough time, so when they drive around town, they will see it!”

After receiving a special donation of chalk from nearby Walmart and Staples stores, Officers Potak and Best distributed chalk to children and parents around the borough - and the kids did all the rest.

Since the police department posted the message March 24, sidewalks, driveways and even some streets all around Catasauqua and North Catasauqua boroughs have been decorated with encouraging messages and colorful drawings.

The messages are undoubtedly being seen by residents and first responders alike, as people in the borough have taken to frequent dog walks and strolls around town to get some fresh air while stuck at home.

The department has asked those who participate in the campaign to take photos of their work and share them to the Catasauqua Police Department Facebook page.

Any family that wants to join but needs chalk should email the department at information@catapd.org.