Sometime before Christmas, local kids and cops will hit stores for some last-minute gift shopping, as the annual Shop with a Cop program returns to assure underprivileged children Santa makes a stop at their homes.

The Cullman Police Department (CPD), in partnership with local volunteers, as well as individual and corporate donors, will treat nearly 20 kids to a shopping spree in time for the holiday. The program involves pairing kids with police officers for a trip through the store aisles — a matchup that, says CPD’s Todd Craig, also helps nurture trust and communication with local law enforcement.

“It’s been really well received in the four or so years that we’ve been a part of it,” said Craig of CPD’s participation in the nationwide program.

“As we’ve gone shopping with the kids, they’ve really gotten the chance to get to know our police officers a little better, and that’s one of the extra benefits we’re interested in beyond reaching out and helping some of the less fortunate children in our community have a better Christmas.”

In addition to a day out shopping with police, participating kids also get to hang out and enjoy breakfast and, after the toys are bought, a lunch at Chik-fil-A — a local sponsor — with the officers who volunteer their time.

In a separate, shopping trip, police also buy toys ahead of time for developmentally disabled children at Cullman’s Margaret Jean Jones Center, and make a special trip to the center to deliver the Christmas haul.

Participation and response in the program has been stronger with each passing year, thanks to the support of local sponsors and the efforts of volunteers.

“The volunteers within the police department, as well as individuals in the community, have really pitched in and helped to make this a great event every year,” said Craig. “And the donations we received from businesses and individuals are what allow us to keep doing this; it’s where all of our funding for the program comes from.

“It’s really good to be in a community where we have people — and businesses and police officers — who want to step up and volunteer their time and money to help make Christmas a happy and memorable time of year for young people who may not have the same resources as some kids have.”

 

Benjamin Bullard can be reached by phone at 256-734-2131 ext. 145.