Donations for Families of Slain Officers Can Now Be Made Online Via PayPal

The City of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Police Officers Association have established a PayPal account to accept online donations for the families of two Santa Cruz police officers killed Tuesday.

The PayPal option is front and center on the city's home page at http://www.cityofsantacruz.com.

"Donations can be completed in minutes using any major credit or bank account," Marcus Pimentel, city finance director, said Friday.

But be careful about where you donate. Outside companies have been making phone solicitations for their foundations for “fallen officers," according Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office spokeswoman April Skalland. 

She explained that these companies have not been specifically requested by the victim’s families to solicit contributions on behalf of the Baker and Butler families.

"Please verify what company you are talking to and do research to make sure you would like to donate money," Skalland said.

Pimentel summarized other, vetted options to make donations for the families of Detective Elizabeth Butler and Det. Sgt. Loran "Butch" Baker:

• Any Wells Fargo branch: Account # 999 245 1154 for the "Baker/Butler Scholarship Fund."
• By Mail to the City of Santa Cruz: Make checks payable to the "Baker/Butler Scholarship Fund" and address to 809 Center St., Room 101, Santa Cruz, CA  95060.
• Any Bay Federal Credit Union branch: Designate donations for the "Santa Cruz Police Officers Association." Checks made out to the Police Officers Association can also be mailed to Bay Federal Credit Union, 3333 Clares St., Capitola, CA 95010.
• Credit card payment by phone: Call (831) 420-5070 during normal business hours. No charge to donor.

Whole Foods at 911 Soquel Ave. in Santa Cruz is also accepting donations to the Santa Cruz Police Officers Association, a store manager said Friday. Donations can be made at the store.

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