HENRICO, VA. -
Henrico and New Kent County police kicked off their annual "Cops Who Care" program Sunday.
Officers took 100 local elementary and middle schoolers in need to do some early Christmas shopping at the Brook Road WalMart.
"The school resource officers and guidance counselors have an input on who's deserving. We try to get children with non-discipline issues and who have a financial need of course," said Henrico police Sargeant J.A. Livingstone.
From clothing to toys, each child is paired up with a law enforcement officer, spending 200 dollars on clothes and toys.
One that may be hard to come by for some.
"It's been real tough...yeah know...I'm working two jobs, if I'm not working, I'm at home and it's real tough," said Joseph Sims, who's daughter took part in the program.
Shawnell McArthur also called Sunday's event a Christmas blessing. "This means a lot of us. Our dad passed away recently and this Christmas my more was worried that she wouldn't be able to afford anything for my brother and sister."
And whether it's toys or clothing, police say this is the reason for the season. "Every officer and every Sheriff's department and every deputy that's involved feels a little bit more full," said Sgt Livingstone. "You see the kids coming in and there are just smiles on their faces. It's just really a warm feeling."
Both the Henrico Fraternal Order of Police and the New Kent County Sheriff's office raise nearly $20,000 annually to the "Cops Who Care Program."
Officers took 100 local elementary and middle schoolers in need to do some early Christmas shopping at the Brook Road WalMart.
"The school resource officers and guidance counselors have an input on who's deserving. We try to get children with non-discipline issues and who have a financial need of course," said Henrico police Sargeant J.A. Livingstone.
From clothing to toys, each child is paired up with a law enforcement officer, spending 200 dollars on clothes and toys.
One that may be hard to come by for some.
"It's been real tough...yeah know...I'm working two jobs, if I'm not working, I'm at home and it's real tough," said Joseph Sims, who's daughter took part in the program.
Shawnell McArthur also called Sunday's event a Christmas blessing. "This means a lot of us. Our dad passed away recently and this Christmas my more was worried that she wouldn't be able to afford anything for my brother and sister."
And whether it's toys or clothing, police say this is the reason for the season. "Every officer and every Sheriff's department and every deputy that's involved feels a little bit more full," said Sgt Livingstone. "You see the kids coming in and there are just smiles on their faces. It's just really a warm feeling."
Both the Henrico Fraternal Order of Police and the New Kent County Sheriff's office raise nearly $20,000 annually to the "Cops Who Care Program."
Digg
Twitter
Facebook
StumbleUpon
