Shop with a Cop donations needed
For most people Christmas is a time of joy and happiness. However, for some children and families it can also be a time of worry and need.
Social service agencies recognize this dilemma and offer special programs to help provide a positive holiday experience, such as food for holiday meals, the Angel Tree and other gifting or donation programs.
To help contribute to this need, the city announced on Nov. 29 our Police Department’s participation in the Shop with a Cop program.
Shop with a Cop is a nationwide program, directed independently by law enforcement agencies. The intent is to not only provide children with gifts they may not otherwise have, but to foster a positive relationship between youth and law enforcement.
This unique experience can deter children from choosing a life of crime or violence and allow them to build a positive and trustworthy image of the police. It also provides a rewarding experience for the officers.
On Dec. 22, uniformed officers from the Elkins Police Department will accompany selected children to Wal-Mart where they will spend time talking and shopping together. The children will each be allotted $100 to spend.
Afterward, thanks to the efforts of Councilwoman Linda Vest and the generosity of Dairy Queen, the children will be taken for an ice cream treat.
Since the announcement of the program, the Elkins Police Department has received the names of more than 20 children who are interested in participating.
While some generous donations have been received to date, the Department is in need of additional donations in order to provide for all of these children.
Last year the Department received $890 in donations which allowed them to shop with nine children.
If you would like to assist with this year’s program, please bring your donation, payable to Shop with a Cop, to the City Treasurer’s Office at Elkins City Hall, by the close of business on Dec. 21. Any donation received after this deadline will be applied towards the 2018 program.
Contact information for possible participants may be provided to the Elkins Police Department in person or by calling 636-0678. Funds are limited, so please only provide the names of those truly in need.
Thank you for helping the Elkins Police Department provide a happy holiday to as many local children and their families as possible this season.
— Glenn Galloway serves as the chief of police for the Elkins Police Department.