The Guthrie Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #105, with the help of Jim McAffeey, Albert Pike Lodge #162, Territorial Riders of Guthrie, Jeff and Debbie Chappell, Walmart and many other businesses and citizens of Guthrie donated over $5,000 this year to the 2012 FOP Shop with a Cop program. This will allow officers to assist 54 children with holiday shopping this Christmas.
Elijah, the 4-year-old son of Erica James, and Off. Hamilton went shopping early for Shop with a Cop. Photo By Maria Shetley
The program is designed to have officers shop and spend time getting to know the children who were selected to participate.
Getting a head start was four-year-old Elijah. His mom, Erica, will not be able to attend the scheduled event for Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. so the department and Officer Jason Hamilton made sure Elijah was able to participate by taking him out this past weekend.
“This event is to provide a merrier holiday season and allow the children to spend time with law enforcement officers in a positive setting,” stated Jason Hamilton, program coordinator and vice-president of the Guthrie FOP Lodge.
The Shop with a Cop committee receives names of parents that may be struggling this year from our patrol officers, local organizations and families that are requesting help. The committee then invites selected families to an event held at Walmart, where each child is paired with an officer who spends time with them, helping them pick out Christmas presents for themselves and other family members. Each child is allowed to spend $100 and has their picture taken with Santa by Unique Designs photographer Jarrett George, who volunteers each year.
This program would not be possible without the support of the local Guthrie businesses, the City of Guthrie, and the Guthrie Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #105. The Guthrie FOP is still accepting donations, which are used exclusively for the Shop with a Cop program. You can donate by calling the Guthrie Police Department.
This is such a great program for the kids and families who have nothing for Christmas. Kiddos to the Guthrie PD and Jason Hamilton and all the sponsors. You have made Christmas a bit more happy!!