ACCPD Hosts 5th Annual Shop with a Cop

At last year’s Shop with a Cop, a number of volunteers helped the children wrap presents.

This Saturday, 100 Athens-Clarke County children will shop for presents for their families at ACCPD’s 5th annual Shop with a Cop program.

The elementary and middle-school children were selected by Clarke County School District advisors and ACCPD’s school resource officers.

With a generous donation from the Athens Police Foundation, each child can spend up to $130 on gifts for their family.

“Our donors recognize the importance of this annual event and the Foundation is pleased to provide funding for 100 children to participate in Shop with a Cop,” said Joel Gregory, President of the Foundation. “We are happy to be able to help provide an opportunity for children and officers to interact during this special time of year.”

Other sponsors include Chick-Fil-A, The Classic Center, First American Bank and Trust, Athens Transit, and the shopping host, the Walmart Supercenter on Lexington Road.

The fun begins at 8 a.m. at the Classic Center when the children are dropped off, paired with law enforcement officers or employeed and enjoy a quick breakfast while getting acquainted. The entire group will then be transported via bus to the Walmart to shop. After making their purchases, the children go back to the Classic Center for help wrapping their presents