VALDOSTA — Valdosta Police officers will play Santa’s big helpers as they assist area children with their holiday shopping during the fifth annual Shop with a Cop event Monday, Dec. 21.
Shop with a Cop participants are selected by the staff of the Valdosta Police Department and Sallas Mahone Elementary School. During the event, the children meet at Wal-Mart at 3274 Inner Perimeter Road, receive Wal-Mart gift cards and partner with law enforcement officers to shop.
Valdosta Police Department Officer Vernotis Williams, who coordinates the event, said that uniformed officers from Moody Air Force Base and Remerton Police Department, as well as staff members from Sallas Mahone will also participate in the event.
“Not only does this event benefit the students, who get a little extra help during the holiday season, but it also shows these kids a different side of law enforcement officers,” Williams. “Kids have a tendency to see us as bad. Through this program, they have the opportunity to see us as people they can approach.”
Shop with a Cop is made possible each year through community donations.
“This program would not have the success it does each year if not for the help that we receive from the community,” Williams said.
Last year’s Shop with a Cop event helped between 30 and 35 children purchase items on their Christmas lists.
“Right now, it seems like we will be able to assist 36 kids,” Williams said.
He added that each child should have at least $100 to purchase things they want, as well as things they may need.
“Some of the children buy toys while others choose to get things they need like clothes,” he said. “We want the public to know that the money they donate does not only go toward toys and games but things the children need. All we ask is that people give from their hearts because it makes all the difference to a child who may not get anything during the holidays.”
Williams invites everyone to attend Shop with a Cop, whether they donate money or not. Monetary donations for Shop with a Cop are welcome and can be made until the event.
For additional information, contact Valdosta Police Department Officer Vernotis Williams at (229) 293-3099.
Local News
A gift from the heart: Shop with a Cop takes place Monday
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