Cambria County Crime Stoppers to hold 'Shop With a Cop' event in December

Kelly Urban, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·3 min read

Oct. 25—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — With the holidays quickly approaching, Cambria County Crime Stoppers is hoping to make the season brighter for some area youngsters.

On Tuesday, members of the organization announced at USSCO Johnstown Federal Credit Union in Richland Township its Cambria County "Shop With a Cop" event, which gives children the opportunity to go shopping with police officers from the community.

"With this program, we (helped) 135 children last year and gave each of them $150 to buy what they wanted," said Gary Martin, president and founder of Cambria County Crime Stoppers.

"This brings back the community and brings back the community to the police departments, where they can reach out to the children and help when they are in need."

Allyson Lonas, director of Cambria County Crime Stoppers, said the shopping program provides a unique opportunity for underprivileged children.

"This is more than just giving gifts, this is involving everyone, and is a beacon of hope and a testament to our communities strength," she said. "When an individual sponsors a child for $150, that $150 will go directly to that child. With these generous donations, we can ensure that these children will have a Christmas they deserve."

Lonas said they will be offering shopping nights on Dec. 13 at Walmart in the Richland Town Center in Johnstown, and on Dec. 14 at Walmart in Ebensburg.

"We're expanding the program due to the success last year more into the north, and we've invited departments such as Nanty Glo, Cambria Township and Cresson to participate and take an active part," she said.

Richland Township police Officer Scott Shope participated in the inaugural program last year and said it was humbling.

"There's a lot of tough times out there for people, and there's a lot of kids who get up on Christmas Day and they don't have gifts under the tree," he said. "Being able to have this program and get these kids some gifts and also interact with them is a great feeling."

Cambria Township police Officer Jonathan Szczur said the department is excited to see the program expansion and to be a part of it.

"We look forward to having a positive impact on these kids lives and giving them an opportunity to shop in a stress-free environment," he said. "Sometimes when police make contact with family, and we see the kids, it's not always under the best of circumstances, so we're grateful to have a program like this that can make a positive impact."

Lonas said they are asking individuals, business owners and corporations to sponsor a child.

"We want to bring joy this year to those who deserve it most," she said. "Together we can shape lives, build relationships and make this community a better place."

If interested in sponsoring a child, call Lonas at 814-254-7151 or visit the Cambria County "Shop With a Cop" Facebook page. Donations also can be made through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.

Kelly Urban can be reached at 814-532-5073. Follow her on Twitter @KellyUrban25.