It’s official! More than $3,500 has been donated so far this season for Shop with a Cop in Dublin.
It’s not too late to donate as Dublin PD and other Erath County law enforcement entities are continuing to collect funds for Shop with a Cop.
For those unfamiliar with the program, all Erath County law enforcement agencies team up to take 50 kids across the county for a Christmas outing consisting of breakfast at the Purple Goat, a ride with lights and sirens from the eatery to Walmart and then a $250 shopping spree.
Ten Dublin kids will be participating in this year’s event slated for Thursday, Dec. 21 and it’s the fourth year for Dublin PD to participate in the program.
“Over the past four years, the community has spent $6,000 in the program, investing in our kids,” Police Chief Cameron Ray said.
Money that is raised this year and not spent will simply be rolled over for next year’s event, Sergeant Khris Jennings said. Detective Nanci Wilson said the program helps to develop a strong relationship with the future of the community.
During the shopping spree, kids are allowed to purchase whatever they want and many use the funds to purchase items for their parents or siblings.
“We had a child a couple of years ago who wanted to purchase a microwave so his family would have an easy way to heat up food,” she said.
The PD assured the child they would get his family a microwave and encouraged him to spend the money on himself.
Ray said the whole experience is extremely heartwarming and that they are able to give the kids an experience they may not have ever had before including riding in a police car with lights and sirens.
“We have been so blessed by the donations,” he said.
Those wanting to donate can make a donation at First Financial bank or at any Erath County law enforcement agency including Dublin PD.