A Lakewood police fundraiser gave Renton residents the opportunity to support families of fallen officers Monday.

The Renton Police Officers Guild took the hundreds of dollars and letters to the Lakewood police memorial Tuesday.

“We’re just blessed to have our family with us this year, and it breaks my heart that there are families who can’t,” said Jennifer White, who attended the fundraiser to write letters with her son.

Four Lakewood police officers were shot and killed last week, in one of the largest acts of violence against police in Washington state.

“It just reminds us of the sacrifice our public officers do make,” White said.

The Whistlestop Ale House and The Rock pizzeria hosted a steady stream of supporters who left donations and letters of encouragement.

“I just feel it’s the right thing to do,” said Deborah Christensen, whose uncle is a retired officer.

Parents also used the event as a lesson for their children.

For White, she’s teaching her son that true heroes are our military, police and teachers, instead of popular entertainers, she said.

It’s also about supporting public servants.

“The thing we’ve been floored by is the amount of support that is being shown to us is overwhelming,” said officer J. Brunner, who represented the Renton Police Officer’s Guild at The Rock.

Renton’s Nicole Wicks organized the event with the guild. She got the idea after calling to check on several friends who are police officers.

“Every conversation came to what can people do,” she said. “The families really just need donations, that and showing support for their local officers.”

It was one of several efforts in Renton to raise money for the families of the Lakewood officers.

“This gave everyone an opportunity to come together and show support,” Wicks said.