Last month, some anonymous cowards spray painted stencils that said “Kill Cops not Trees” in over a dozen places around the Downtown Santa Cruz area. The graffiti was removed quickly thanks to the fine people at Public Works and the many locals that volunteered to do the same. Even so, this vile message left a bad taste in our mouths. Not allowing them to get the last word, Andrew Lenz of Lenz Arts created a poster that said Love Cops & Trees and the story went viral!
Anti-police graffiti ‘kill cops’ found in Santa Cruz
Hug Cops AND Trees T-shirt launch
We decided to spread the love even further and launch a line of t-shirts with the message Hug Cops & Trees – because we at TBSC know that there is enough love in this town for both.
At a time where anti-law enforcement sentiments and actions are sweeping the nation, we feel like it is more important than ever for us to show our support and appreciation for our LEOs.
In this spirit, 100% of the proceeds from these shirts are being donated to the Fallen Officer Foundation.
$700 raised so far to be donated to the FOF
During our limited 3 day sale event we sold over 80 shirts, raising $700 for the FOF right out the gate!
Message sent to TBSC from a local LEO: “Thank you so much for organizing the t-shirt sales. My daughter cries when I go to work and doesn’t understand why I can’t just get a different job. I’m hoping seeing people wearing these shirts makes things better for her.”
New Online Shop Launched!
Due to the overwhelming response to our Hug Cops & Trees t-shirt line, we have created a new Online Shop!
You can now place your orders via three methods:
First up is our Hug Cops & Trees collection but we will be adding TBSC merchandise to our store front soon!
Shout out to local business – Santa Cruz Custom Screen Printing
A special shout out of appreciation to Dale Leite, owner of Santa Cruz Custom Screen Printing, who made these shirts for us with patience, professionalism and a spirit of appreciation for law enforcement and our armed forces. Support local businesses who support the community!!
Clara Minor with Minorsan Self-Defense & Fitness
Please send in pictures of you wearing your shirt and/or in the act of hugging a cop ♥ We would like to use them on the new website! You can email them to: info@takebacksantacruz.org
I love these!! I ordered 4. Thank you.
Thank you Janet!
I hope communities all over the country can find the peace of a hug!! LEO shout out from SoCal. I got one for each of my kids.
Thank you! This is awesome!