Cops and Kids brings joy to children during Christmas

Aarik Long, The Mountaineer, Waynesville, N.C.
·2 min read

Nov. 25—For many children, Christmas brings stockings full of candy and gifts under the tree. Not everyone is so fortunate, however. That's where the Cops and Kids program steps up to help.

"We are so blessed and thankful to our community for the continued support we receive for this worthy event," said Jeff Haynes, president of the Haywood County branch of the Fraternal Order of Police and former chief deputy with the Haywood County Sheriff's Office.

Formerly known as "Shop with a Cop," event pairs local children with officers and deputies from police departments across the county and the sheriff's office for a shopping trip.

"At the end of the day, we all have a servants' heart," Haynes said. "As the Bible says, it's always better to give than receive"

The kids will get the chance to shop at Walmart with the officers on Dec. 11 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

When the kids first arrive, they enjoy a breakfast hosted by Walmart. After that, they are each assigned two officers to help with their shopping trip. The child and their two law enforcement companions get familiar with each other and then begin shopping.

Clothes are the main priority, but once those needs are met, each child gets to pick out one toy to take home, as well.

The program is funded by a community grant, as well as Fraternal Order of Police fundraising and independent sponsors, and is a joint effort between the Fraternal Order of Police and Haywood County Schools.

"The whole purpose is to give back to the community," Haynes said.

Donations are still being taken to help fund the kids' shopping trips. Monetary donations can be mailed to NCFOP-Haywood Lodge 16, P.O. Box 1821, Canton, North Carolina 28716 or taken to the Haywood County Sheriff's Office, Waynesville Police Department or Maggie Valley Police Department.