Since
1979, the officers of the Charlestown City Police Department have annually taken
15 to 20 Charlestown needy first graders shopping for Christmas. The program,
named "Shop with a Cop", enables officers and their spouses to share a
little Christmas cheer; as well as, get to know some of the most energetic
citizens of the community. The positive interaction between the cops and kids last a lifetime.
Money is raised for the program by officers and
volunteers manning 3 to 4 roadblocks each year, as well as mailing a letter to local business
for donations. Each year the program has grown, little by little, now enabling the department to take
20 first graders shopping for $150.00 of
clothing and $150.00 of toys at local stores. Once the shopping is complete, all
enjoy a sit down dinner at Lakeside Reflections banquet hall where Santa Claus
stops by and visits with gifts for the kids. In addition, the parents of each
child participant was given a $75 food gift certificate to a local grocery
hoping to help with Christmas dinner at home. The program is a non-profit charitable endeavor which is sponsored by
the Charlestown Police Department, but all time and effort is volunteered by
personnel.
Donations Appreciated!
The program is
currently under the direction of Officer Terry Braswell, of the Charlestown Police
Department. If you are interested in donating to the Charlestown City Police
Shop With A Cop Program, please send your tax deductible monetary donation, in
the form of a check or money order to:
Charlestown Police Shop with A Cop,
701 Main Street, Charlestown, Indiana 47111
Contact Officer Terry Braswell at tbraswell@ctownpd.com
or at (812) 256-6345, for more information.
Copyright 2001 © Charlestown Police Department, All Rights Reserved.