Custom Police Patches and Coins Support the Key West Police Department Love Fund

Custom patches and challenge coins can do more than represent an organization. With the right idea behind them, they can help bring people together and support a meaningful cause.

The Key West Police Department found a particularly creative way to put its custom products to work. Through the Key West Police Department Love Fund, visitors can purchase department merchandise from a vending machine located at the Key West Police Department.

Among the items available are custom police patches and challenge coins created with the help of Lapel Pins Plus. But this isn’t just a unique way to sell department merchandise. According to the department, 100% of the profits from purchases assist KWPD members in crisis situations.

A Vending Machine With a Purpose

Most people expect to find snacks or drinks when they walk up to a vending machine. At the Key West Police Department, visitors can find something very different.

The department’s custom vending machine is stocked with Key West Police Department Love Fund merchandise, providing an easy way for visitors to pick up items while supporting the fund.

Inside, colorful custom police patches sit alongside other department merchandise, while custom challenge coins offer another way for supporters to take home something connected to KWPD.

It’s a creative concept that turns a familiar vending machine into a convenient fundraising opportunity.

Creating Custom Police Patches for the Love Fund

The patches immediately stand out inside the vending machine thanks to their bold Key West Police Department designs.

Lapel Pins Plus helped bring these custom police patches to life, giving the department merchandise that reflects its identity while also serving the larger purpose of the Love Fund.

Custom patches are especially versatile for police departments and other organizations because they can incorporate department names, logos, colors, shapes, and other design elements. They can be created as collectibles, fundraising merchandise, commemorative items, or pieces that supporters can proudly display.

For the Key West Police Department, putting them inside a vending machine adds another layer to the experience. Instead of simply ordering merchandise online, visitors can see the different designs, make a selection, and leave with a physical keepsake.

Custom Challenge Coins That Represent KWPD

The vending machine also features custom challenge coins created with Lapel Pins Plus.

Challenge coins have long been associated with law enforcement, military organizations, first responders, and other groups that value service and camaraderie. Detailed artwork and custom finishes allow organizations to turn their emblems and ideas into lasting pieces that people can collect, carry, or display.

For KWPD, the coins provide another distinctive Love Fund item while showcasing imagery connected to the department.

Combined with the custom patches, they demonstrate how different custom products can work together as part of a larger merchandise or fundraising program.

Supporting KWPD Members Through Every Purchase

What makes this project especially meaningful is the purpose behind the merchandise.

The message displayed directly on the vending machine explains that 100% of the profits from purchases assist in helping KWPD members in crisis situations.

That means the patches, coins, and other merchandise aren’t simply souvenirs. Each purchase gives supporters a tangible item while contributing to the Key West Police Department Love Fund.

The department has also expanded access beyond the physical vending machine. In its July 2025 social media post, Key West Police Department Recruiting shared that Love Fund items could also be ordered online through its eBay store.

A Creative Way to Use Custom Products

The Key West Police Department Love Fund vending machine is a great example of how organizations can think differently about custom merchandise.

A custom patch doesn’t have to be limited to a uniform, and a challenge coin doesn’t have to be reserved for a ceremony. These products can become part of fundraising campaigns, merchandise programs, community events, and other initiatives that give supporters a way to connect with an organization.

And sometimes, they can even end up in a vending machine.

At Lapel Pins Plus, we’re proud to have helped create the custom patches and challenge coins used as part of this unique project. Seeing products we’ve helped bring to life used in a creative way to support KWPD members makes this customer story one worth sharing.

Bring Your Custom Product Idea to Life

Have an idea for custom patches, challenge coins, lapel pins, or other custom products?

Whether you’re creating merchandise for a fundraiser, supporting an organization, preparing for an event, or working on an idea that’s completely your own, Lapel Pins Plus can help turn your design into a finished product.

Start your free design with Lapel Pins Plus today and see where your idea can go.