Macie Greene - MNJ Intern
Local law enforcement agencies are kicking off their annual Shop with a Cop program and they need your help.
Shop with a Cop began in 2008 to benefit children in the Mitchell County community who are less fortunate.
“This program is a good way for law enforcement to interact with the kids in our community” said Spruce Pine Chief of Police
Kasey Cook
As Chief of Police and coordinator of the program “the first thing we did was increase the number of kids and include a meal with the officers and volunteers,” said Cook.
The program has increased in size over the last 15 years. The future of the program is important to the people of Mitchell County because of the support it has shown to kids. It provides an opportunity for children to interact with law enforcement officers in a positive manner. For most children, it may be their first interaction with law enforcement.
The program recently started a golden ticket item for five random kids in the program. If a kid gets the golden ticket, they get an extra gift in addition to what they already receive.
“Each year we try to do something different to keep the kids excited and thankful. Who knows what we might do in the future,” said Cook.
The public has a big part in preparing for this event every year. The program is always in need of monetary donations as times are tough during the holiday season for many people and it takes the whole year for local law enforcement agencies to raise money to support the program. Shop with a Cop is funded by local donations and fundraisers from various organizations and nonprofits.
This year Shop with a Cop can use both financial assistance as well as volunteer hours.
“It’s just a blessing for me to be able to start something and know that we’re going into our 16th year continuing to help so many kids,” said Cook.
Mitchell County Sheriff Donald Street said that last year 60 children participated in the program and that it would not be possible without the help of Mitchell County residents, businesses and organizations that make financial donations to the program each year.
You can donate money to the Mitchell County Shop with a Cop at the Spruce Pine Police Department or the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office. There is no minimum donation, but to fully sponsor a child it costs a total of $220 a child.
On Friday, Dec. 8, at 9 a.m., selected children will meet up with law enforcement officers at the Spruce Pine Fire Department to participate in the Shop with a Cop program.