Dozens of Athens children are having a merrier Christmas this year, thanks to a long-standing program with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. This Saturday is the annual Shop with a Cop event.
Lt. Joe Geiger says changes are being made this year due to the covid-19 pandemic.
“This year for the safety of the parties regarding covid, Shop with a Cop will be held differently,” according to Geiger. “Gifts were provided by the children and members of the Athens-Clarke County Community Oriented Policing Unit purchased the gifts. The gifts will be delivered to the Classic Center and children will meet and interact with uniformed officers as they wrap gifts together.”
Geiger says the program is aimed at fostering positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.
“This may be the first contact that children have with police officers and what better way to provide a positive impact with the children in our community.”
Eighty-four children are receiving gifts this year, and their families will also benefit.
“These gifts go home with the children, Alexia what’s heartwarming about this event is the children that were chosen also bought gifts for their family members and not just for themselves.”
Shop with a Cop is his Saturday at the Classic Center. The ACCPD Foundation is funding the event. The department will be assisted by the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, UGA Police Department and the ACC Probation Office.