WILBRAHAM, Mass. - The Thornton W. Burgess School in Wilbraham is hoping their second annual car wash will raise enough money to support the Hampden Police Department for future community events.

The school's transitions program offers young adults between the ages of 18-22 with unique individual needs opportunities to learn life skills to succeed as an adult.

This year, the program formed a collaboration with students taking transition classes at Minnechaug High School for a three-day charity event.​

The money raised will go towards the Hampden Police Department's Public Safety Night Out in October. Some of the students at the car wash were excited to be able to support their community.

"It's helpful!" said Caitlin and Mackenzie McEwan, students at Minnechaug Regional High School. "We enjoy being helpful. We help as much as we can. We are like super nice."

"Getting wet, helping out, washing cars, getting sales, thats the best part," said Sebastian Batista, a student at the Thornton school. "Getting to stay cool. I'm having fun with all of my friends here. Meeting new people."

Thornton W. Burgess Transition teacher Anthony Zaremba said organizing events like a car wash are very important because it brings the community together. He also said the car wash helps empower students in the transition program and improves their communication skills with the public.

"Teaching safety, whether thats fire safety or just getting to know the police and fire departments or say if a young kid calls 911, whose going to show up?" said Zaremba. "Get to know the first responders so they're not afraid."

Zaremba said around 70 cars were cleaned over the course of the event and appreciates all the support from the community. The transition program will also host a food drive in October to support the Lorraine's Soup Kitchen & Pantry in Chicopee.