The name may be slightly different, but officials with the Ardmore Fraternal Order of Police say the organization’s Shop With Cops project is still aimed at providing a merry Christmas for child victims of crimes and children in need.
Officer Barry Antwine, FOP Loge 108 vice president, said applications are now being accepted for this year’s Shop With Cops project.
Applications are available at Ardmore Police Department headquarters, located on the second floor of City Hall, and at all Ardmore schools. The application deadline is Nov. 27.
“The purpose Shop With Cops is to help children and enable their parents and guardians who are struggling to give their kids a merry Christmas through gifts that are courtesy of FOP Lodge 1089,” Antwine said.
Shop With Cops is open to children ages 15 and younger who meet application requirements.
Children who were selected for the FOP project in 2008 or those who will be served by another agency’s Christmas program are not eligible for the 2009 Shop With Cops.
“Last year, the FOP was able to give 115 kids each $150 to spend and then officers took them shopping,” Antwine said. “This year, because of the economy, we are having to scale back. But we are going to try our best and we are hopeful we can give 100 kids each $100 to spend when they Shop With Cops.”
The shopping excursions, which include a lights-and-siren ride in a patrol car, are set for Dec. 17-19.
Antwine said Lodge 108 is currently seeking donations to help fund the project that has provided Christmas to literally hundreds of less fortunate children since it’s inception.
“The FOP has been doing this for at least 15 years,” Antwine said. “We appreciate the community’s assistance in helping us keep the program going. We’re looking to another good year of putting smiles on as many kids’ faces as we can.”
Those who want to contribute to the 2009 Shop With Cops project can call Antwine at (580) 222-5739 or e-mail him at apdfop108@yahoo.com.
Marsha Miller, 221-6529
