12-5-13 shop with a cop

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Shop with a Cop program is being held Dec. 12, 2013.  The annual event will take place at Wal-Mart in Fond du Lac.  Deputy Julie Flaherty is the coordinator of the program.  As a School Resource Deputy for the past twelve years and a participant in the Shop with a Cop Program for many years, she sees first hand the difference this opportunity makes in the lives of the children involved.  They are students who struggle just to cover the basic needs, much less have anything extra.  When the holiday season comes along, they don’t look to Christmas with the same anticipation as other children.  Children are invited to participate in the Shop with a Cop Program this year will be given $50 to spend on family members, as well as choosing one gift for themselves.  With the assistance of an officer, they spend time browsing the store for the “perfect” gifts, having the presents wrapped and enjoying a meal.  The child has the opportunity to make a real connection with a law enforcement officer and discover the positive influence officers can have in their lives.   Tax-deductible donations are used to cover not only the shopping, but it also helps to fund the other costs involved with this program.  From the wrapping paper and bows to pictures with Santa to the pre-shopping meal, all donations received are put to good use.   At times, even articles of clothing are given when a particularly needy child is present.  Finally, because we like to encourage the children to purchase at least one gift for others in their family, we like to reward them for their unselfishness with the selection of a special toy from our toy table.  Your kindness is what makes this program possible and successful each year.  I hope you will be able to send a donation that will allow one or more children to experience the joy of the holiday season.   A donation of $50 or more would be appreciated by December 12th.  Checks can be made out to “Shop with a Cop” and mailed to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, PO Box 1273, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1273.