More than 235 children, adults with disabilities and senior citizens will benefit from this year’s Shop With A Cop program sponsored by Plymouth F.O.P. Lodge 195.
On Saturday selected children and their families gathered at the Plymouth Wesleyan Church for a breakfast provided by the Plymouth Masonic Lodge. Emergency service personnel from across Marshall County and beyond also shared in the breakfast. After breakfast the crowd was divided into two groups and they converged on the Plymouth Wal-Mart for some shopping.
Each family was pared with a representative from emergency services; local police officers, county officers, Indiana State Police Troopers, conservation officers, firefighters, EMS and volunteers for the Shop With a Cop Program.
Each child was allowed to spend approximately $100. The first order of business was to make sure they had a winter coat, hat and glove. Helpers check to see if pajamas, socks and underwear were needed before moving to shoes or boots and then winter clothing.
The highlight of the shopping trip is always a tip to the toy isle where the kids pondered over the perfect toy.
Some of those participating in Shop With A Cop asked for simple things like a blanket for their bed or a gift for mom. Others selected just the right dress, pair of blue jeans or belt.
All in all, members of the emergency services had just as much fun shopping as their receiving during this holiday season.
