Local News
A gift from the heart: Shop with a Cop takes place Monday
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
-
-
Nathan Deal visits Valdosta
Republican Nathan Deal stopped in Valdosta on Thursday, staying just long enough to answer a few questions and make a brief statement to both the media and his supporters.
-
Brother shoots brother in Cook
A 13-year-old boy is dead, the victim of a single gunshot wound to the face. His 14-year-old brother has been identified as the shooter, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. However, the investigation continues, Cook County Sheriff Johnny Daughtry said Thursday.
-
Undercover Uncovered: To save his ministry, man shares his undercover past
Jim Harnage knew something was wrong when several participating families suddenly backed out of a new program within his Silent Ministries.
He soon learned why.
Some of the participants told Harnage that they had heard he once worked undercover with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They asked him if this was true. Harnage did not initially know how to reply to the question.
The reason? -
Sharper Fest 2010 scheduled for this weekend
With a theme of “Walk Against Violence,” Sharper Fest 2010 is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 1.
In addition to an anti-violence message, the day promises “the largest kids’ festival in the South,” with free bounce houses and slide rides throughout the day, says organizer Dexter Sharper. Participants can also expect characters, face-painting and children’s train rides. - Night Moves for Friday July 30, 2010
-
Early voting underway in primary runoff
A total of 84 people cast ballots on Thursday, the first day of early voting in the 2010 General Primary/Special Election runoff. Of those, 72 were Republicans and 12 were Democrats.
-
Dive Right In: Wild Adventures diving show makes a splash
At 31 feet above the water’s surface, Manuel Mendes pauses on the metal tower.
-
Senators battle for Wanat
A group of politicians representing a broad spectrum of Americans took up the fight of a few last week.
-
Back Behind Bars: Authorities locate inmates accidentally released
Three Lowndes County jail inmates accidentally released a week ago into the general public are back behind bars.
- Night Moves for Thursday July 29, 2010
- More Local News Headlines
-
