Earlier this month, more than 170 children under 17 happily bounded through the Wal-Mart in Gloucester, Va., gift certificate in hand and cops at their side.
Some left with new clothes. Several with new bikes. All saw a Christmas they may not have thought possible without the generous support of this community, Peace Frogs' hometown.
The event? The annual Gloucester "Shop With A Cop" and we're highlighting it here on the Peace Frogs Blog because it represents all that this season – a season of peace and goodwill – is meant to be.
"Shop With A Cop" started in 2000 when officers from the Gloucester County Sheriff's Department pitched in to help make Christmas extra special for one family.
It grew from there to this year's event that culminated with the mass shopping trip for the children and included a series of community fundraisers throughout the year that brought in more than $32,000.
The money was used to buy gift cards for the children and each child was paired up with a "Shop With A Cop" volunteer to pick out toys, clothes and other necessities. The amount each child receives depends upon their age bracket with the older ages receiving more and the younger children receiving less.
The families were screened prior to the event to ensure they have a genuine need before being selected to participate.
This year's "Shop With A Cop" may have come to an end, but the Gloucester County Sheriff's Department prepares year round and 2014 preparations are already underway.
For more information on donating or assisting with the event, contact the Gloucester County Sheriff's Office at (804) 693-3890.
Note: Peace Frogs was thrilled to be there in spirit having helped design the "Shop With A Cop" t-shirts. Peace!
Photos courtesy of Sara Harris of Sara Harris Photography.
