SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Coosa Valley Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) could use your help in keeping an annual tradition going strong. Consider supporting their “Shop with a Cop” program.
A social media post from last fall was accidentally posted again recently, but a check with the Coosa Valley FOP confirmed the need to “shore up” their sponsorships for the future.
Every year, the local FOP Lodge makes Christmas happen for some disadvantaged children in our area. This past December, they had around 30 children who were fed dinner at a local restaurant. Then, they were loaded into police cruisers and caravanned to the WalMart in Sylacauga with lights and sirens blasting.
Each child is given $100, is paired with an officer, and they go shopping together as parents wait at the dedicated check out station to see what their child selected. They always make sure the kids pick out something for themselves. Usually, they only want to buy for their family members.
Now, imagine if the program could somehow grow back to previous levels. You see, several of the Coosa Valley FOP’s historical sponsors have fallen on hard times and their contribution for this program has fallen.
Spokesperson Gene Piatkowski said, “We hope you see the value of continuing this program and that you would help with a donation. Any amount would be most welcome.”
The better the FOP does this time of year means more children can experience the thrill of “Shop with a Cop” come December.
If you’re willing to donate, please make your check out to the “FOP Lodge 8” and mail it to:
Coosa Valley FOP Lodge #8
P.O. Box 276
Sylacauga, AL 35150
