As the holiday season approaches many children are anxiously awaiting presents under the tree.
Thanks to the annual cops and kids shopping event hosted by the Local Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police 138 Wood Capital Lodge there were smiling faces on all 50 of the children who participated in Wednesday’s event at the Jasper Walmart Store.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including those from the Jasper, Huntingburg and Ferdinand police departments, the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police and DNR officers, took part in this years program.
Police officers chauffeured 49 students from the local Tri-Cap Headstart program around Wal-Mart as they picked out items to have under the tree on christmas morning.
Children were guided on choosing the necessities which included clothing and shoes and were then taken for a trip down the toy aisle.
When the event started back in 2002 only 5 children were able to take part but support of the program grew quickly and it was just a short time later, that all children attending Tri-Cap Headstart were able to participate in the day’s event.
Molly Wuchner of the Tri-Cap head start program has been involved with the Cops and Kids event since the beginning.
Sergent Adam Bower with the Jasper Police Department who works in partnership with Tri-cap to organize the event, was excited that it gives children a chance to know police in a positive way.
And what is Sgt. Bower’s favorite part of the day? The smiles on the kids faces.
After shopping was completed children were escorted up Newton Street to the Jasper Moose Lodge for lunch and a visit with Santa Claus.
