The second annual Shop with a Cop event was held on Thursday night, Dec. 19, and this year’s event was even bigger than last year’s with the addition of the Chester County Sheriff’s Dept. Chief Davidson stated, “Last year, when we started this program, the goal was to help as many children as possible, so I ask Sheriff Weaver to join in, and he was gracious enough to do so. This allowed us to serve many more children.”
Sheriff Weaver said that he, too, wanted to help as many children as possible. “There are so many children that need a Christmas blessing, and I’m happy that the sheriff’s department and the police department were able to help with that.”
“This year, 30 children and their families came to the City Hall and were fed supper before each child was giving a thrilling ride to the stores. A convoy of Police and Sheriff’s patrol cars lined up and ran lights and sirens to the stores. The children were paired up with officers or deputies and once at the stores were allowed to buy whatever they wanted for Christmas.
“It was amazing to see what the kids wanted to buy. They bought for other family member and teachers. They were not just thinking of themselves,” stated Deputy Weston Watkins.
They were allowed to shop at Family Dollar first; then, the convoy of patrol cars with lights and sirens going made its way to Dollar General on Hwy. 45 South where the children continued their Christmas shopping spree. “To see the smiles on the kids faces and to see how much fun they were having is a memory I will have in my mind for a long-time,” stated Officer Jonathan Menzie.
Chief Davidson and Sheriff Weaver both stated that they wanted to thank their staffs for all the hard work they put in to making this event such a success for the children and their families that were served. They also stated that without the help of Family Dollar and Dollar General Hwy 45 South location and the following churches and businesses this would have not been possible. Your support is greatly appreciated: Next Level Church, Cave Springs Baptist Church, Hayes Cash Savers, Little Caesars, Express Pizza, Dominos, Pizza Hut and Sweetly Ever After.
“Myself and everyone involved were so touched by this experience. To see smiles and tears from law enforcement officers while they tried so hard to make memories for these children, is something that I will never forget. I sincerely hope we helped to give these families a very Merry Christmas,” stated Chief Gary Davidson.
