Dublin PD and all of Erath’s law agencies are asking the community to help them bring Christmas to kids in need.
Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray reported that he and his officers were talking about what they could to do to help out kids in the community mere hours before being contacted by DPS Sergeant Nick Decker about ‘Shop With a Cop.’
The program raises money for local officers to take kids on personalized shopping trips for clothes, shoes and a special toy.
“He called and asked if this was something we were interested in,” Ray recalled. “I said absolutely.”
“We all have a heart for kids,” Ray said of his officers. “A Child doesn’t get to pick their situation. We want these children to know that somebody cares.”
Every $150 raised sponsors a child to join an officer for breakfast before being escorted in a parade with lights and sirens to Wal-Mart, where they will pick out their gifts.
Ray said the plan was to raise enough money to sponsor 20-30 kids, but that the outpouring of support has already been strong enough that he expects that they will be able to rise above this number. There is also a hope to make this an annual tradition.
Ray said the law agencies will be collaborating with schools and other organizations in reaching kids most in need.
Those wanting to donate can bring donations by Dublin PD or any of the other cooperating departments: Texas DPS, Erath County Sheriff’s Office, Stephenville PD, and Tarleton State University PD.
Donations are also being accepted at First Financial Bank in Stephenville under the Shop with a Cop account.
Kids will be taken on their special Christmas trip on Dec. 21.
“I’m proud to be a part of it,” Ray said. “All of our officers are excited about it and I know the other agencies are excited about it.”