As temperatures continue to drop, the importance of the “Shop with a Cop” program continues to rise.
The need for the program, which has provided warm winter clothes to area children for the past 15 years, was never more evident than on Dec. 1 when 70 children participated in the program at Noblesville’s Meijer store, 17000 Mercantile Blvd.
“It’s especially gratifying for us as law enforcement officers to meet these families with a smile on our faces and put a smile on their faces,” said Noblesville Police Officer Jon Williams, who has coordinated the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 198’s “Shop with a Cop” program all of its 15-year history. “It’s a positive interaction with the public. Sometimes when we meet people it’s the most traumatic event going on in their life.”
“It’s great for officers,” added F.O.P. Lodge President Mike Sadler. “It’s an opportunity to work within the community in a different way.”
Williams said the “Shop with a Cop” participants – infants to 16-year-olds – come from a holiday assistance list given to the Noblesville F.O.P. by Nancy Chance of Good Samaritan Network.
“A significant segment of the middle class is struggling right now,” Williams said. “We see it regularly in the course of our employment.”
“Shop with a Cop” participants walk around the store, and, with the help of their guardians and Noblesville Police officers, officers’ wives and sometimes even their children, pick out winter clothes including coats, gloves, shirts, pants, boots and even underwear and pajamas. Once all the children have the proper clothes for the cold climates, they head over to the toy department to select a present.
“It’s hard to say no. Sometime gifts are more expensive than normal,” said Sadler. “For a lot of these kids you can tell this may be it for them for Christmas”
Noblesville’s F.O.P. raises money for the “Shop with a Cop” program through a telemarketing drive each year, donations at or after the event, direct donations from individuals and businesses and from the Noblesville High School “Cops vs. Kids Flag Football Game.” Williams said those interested in making a donation can contact him at 770-5754 or mail the donation to: Noblesville F.O.P. Lodge No. 198, P.O. Box 1303, Noblesville, IN 46061.
“We are very fortune this year,” Williams said. “We are 100-percent funded by charitable donations to the lodge.”
