![Article Image Alt Text]( "Children and law enforcement personnel enjoy shopping together during the annual Shop with a Cop event.")
Children and law enforcement personnel enjoy shopping together during the annual Shop with a Cop event.
Christmas was merrier for 325 Nassau County youngsters who participated in Shop with a Cop on Dec. 5 and 12.
They shopped at the Yulee Walmart with deputies from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol and officers from the Florida Department of Agriculture.
Shop with a Cop pairs the officers with children from low-income families to enjoy a spirited shopping adventure. The program creates a positive bond between the kids and officers, according to Sheriff Bill Leeper.
“Nothing embraces the Christmas spirit more than watching children select the toys and books on their wish lists and making sure they have clothes and other necessities,” he said. “We look forward to participating in this event every year and I am very proud of the officers and civilian employees who volunteer their time to make this day special for these children.”
Each child is allotted $100, half of which they must spend on necessities like clothing, shoes, school supplies and other needs. The other half is reserved for toys, movies and other fun items.
The event is made possible by the support of NCSO Charities, Inc., which holds fundraising events throughout the year, Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance Foundation, Inc., Walmart, the Everett P. Pope Marine Corps League of Nassau County and many individual donors.
NCSO Charities, Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit corporation established to organize, promote and sponsor charitable missions and events in Nassau County. The mission of NCSO Charities, Inc. is summarized in its slogan, “Nurturing community safety through outreach.”
To donate to Shop with a Cop, contact Lawanna Ware, treasurer, at 904-548-4018. All donations are tax deductible.