On December 13th law enforcement officers from the Calvert
County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources
Police, and the Prince George’s County Police Department volunteered their
services and free time to assist 75 Calvert County children with the annual
Shop with a Cop event. Children from all
over the county ranging in ages from 6 to 12 were picked up and escorted to the
Mama Lucia’s Restaurant in Prince Frederick where they were treated to donuts,
milk, juice and breakfast pizza. The
children had a special surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus who handed out
candy canes to every child who came and visited with them. Each child that visited with Santa and Mrs.
Claus was also photographed courtesy of Christi Wilson and provided with a copy
of the picture to give to their family members.
After their scrumptious breakfast, they were given a full police escort
with lights and sirens to the K-Mart in Prince Frederick where each child was
given $150 to purchase a gift for themselves as well as their family
members. Several of the children had to
be reminded to get something for themselves as it is part of the program. Once they finished shopping they were
escorted to the Prince Frederick VFD where the members generously opened their
doors to the children and provided tables where they could wrap the purchased
gifts. The children were treated to lunch
provided by the Chic-Fil-A in California.
Toys for Tots also set up several tables with one toy for every child in
attendance. Calvert County is a wonderful place to live and raise
children. Many people donated funds to
the program all year long which has enabled us to be able to conduct a
Christmas and Back to School campaign.
Thank you to all involved.
