NHS EAST Lab collects 160 car seats

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    TERRICA HENDRIX
    Editor

    NASHVILLE- A high school program teamed up with local law enforcement to help serve Howard County’s pint-sized citizens.
    Last week, the Nashville High School EAST Lab program, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nashville Police Department conducted a car seat drive. This drive was not typical because in exchange for a new-in-the-box car seat, both departments agreed to credit any individuals owing an outstanding balance of Howard County District Court fines. “For every booster-style seat donated, an individual will receive $50 dollars credit and $500 credit for every infant and baby-style car seat. The credit can only be applied to the fine amount.” The credit was not applied to court cost, court automated fees or restitution, Sheriff Bryan McJunkins confirmed.
    McJunkins said that he issued a press release to local media about the week-long car seat drive. The Sheriff’s conference room and hallway became a makeshift storage building for approximately 160 car seats last week. Car seats were stacked to the ceiling in the HCSO. The NPD also collected several car seats. He said that a goal of 50 car seats was set and was quickly exceeded.
    McJunkins added that some individuals who had fines in HCDC “brought as many as four or five [car seats] to be applied towards their own credit for fines.” Car seats were also donated by individuals who did not have HCDC fines.
    McJunkins estimated that $40,000 of credit was applied towards HCDC fines.
    The car seat drive was a win-win situation for those involved because “it allowed defendants in district court to contribute in a positive way to Howard County citizens and the public,” he explained.
    McJunkins added that “this was a big group effort” which included his entire “HCSO staff, NPD, Prosecuting Attorney Bryan L. Chesshir, Howard County Health Coalition, NHS EAST Lab, local media, and Howard Memorial Hospital, all partnering up.”
    The car seats will “be turned over to HMH for the baby safety shower” they host, he ended.