LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Law enforcement officers from across Allen County gathered at Meijer on Saturday to help make sure kids and their families have a joyful Christmas.
The Cops and Kids Shopping Event is organized by the Charitable Fraternal Order of Police Lima Lodge #21, with support from Meijer and the Mike Garlock Memorial Foundation. Forty-five children were selected by their elementary school counselors due to circumstances such as medical issues, job or home loss, or other challenges that might prevent them from fully enjoying the holiday season. The children shopped alongside a police officer or local official, picking out gifts for themselves and their families.
“It's a great thing for the holiday season to help build that relationship between the community and the officers in the community that they serve, and it helps the families with their Christmas. It's amazing that they get to shop for their family, shop for the things that they need and for themselves,” said Brittany Smith, officer with the Lima Police Department.
In addition to Cops and Kids Shopping, the Charitable FOP Lima Lodge #21 sponsors city and county D.A.R.E. programs, roller hockey, and local school SADD chapters.
