RALEIGH, N.C. -- The community is rallying behind Raleigh police officer Charles Ainsworth and his family.
- Officer Ainsworth was on duty when he was shot multiple times.
- State employees can donate half of their yearly leave to Mrs. Ainsworth, about five days for the cause.
- You can donate at any State Employee's Credit Union.
Teachers Donating Leave to His Wife
While he is recovering, people in the community are taking to social media asking that teachers and state employees donate leave time for his wife, which we believe to be a school teacher.
Wake County Schools isn't confirming that, but they did direct us to the voluntary shared leave policy by the NC Public Schools Benefits and Employment Manual.
A typical teacher gets about 10 days of leave a year because they accumulate one day per month over a 10-month school year.
Officials say because of that, it's especially difficult for newer teachers to have long periods of leave and they'll end up getting deducted pay.
President of North Carolina Association of Educators Mark Jewell says state employees can donate half of their yearly leave, about five days for the cause.
“You know educators and state employees want to stand up and rise up and help out this admirable officer who's put his life on the line and his wife who is a teacher. So of course folks wanting to step up and donate leave. We’re encouraging folks to do that, which would be very helpful for the wife right now as she is standing by the side of her husband,” said Jewell.
Gyms Having Workout Fundraisers
Gyms like Forged Fitness and Raleigh Crossfit hosted benefit workouts.
Restaurants Having Fundraisers
Some restaurants, such as Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant, the Hawg Pen, Raleigh Beer Garden, and Papa Murphy's, held events where a portion of their proceeds will go to Ainsworth's recovery. Instead of hosting a 10-year anniversary benefit, The Flying Biscuit Cafe is now putting money toward helping officer Ainsworth.