Children enjoy a day of shopping Dec. 20 with officers from the Murfreesboro Police Department at Wal-Mart. (Photos submitted)
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Being able to help local children during the holiday season is a great way to reach out to the community and form new relationships with residents, said representatives of the Murfreesboro Police Department.
“This program is a way of reaching out to kids and giving something – a way of giving back,” Officer Terry Spence stated in a press release.
The Police Department celebrated Christmas with local children Tuesday by partnering with area businesses and community groups to sponsor the annual “Feed the Families” and “Shop with a Cop” programs.
Earlier this fall, officers created a list of families in need of assistance with providing food for their families during the holiday season.
“By Tuesday, DARE Officer Amy Norville received donations totaling more than $1,000 and hundreds of food items from officers and civilian personnel,” MPD spokesman Kyle Evans said.
Girl Scout Cadet Troup 235 also donated food, helped package food items, and went along with several officers to deliver the food to families last week.
“In total, 13 families, The Salvation Army and The Journey Home received boxes of food for the holidays,” Evans said.
Officers also partnered with Santa Claus as well as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores to bring Christmas to 15 children and their families, as part of the “Shop with a Cop” program.
“Many of the children expressed their desire to buy something for their sibling before themselves,” Spence said. “It touches your heart in so many ways… The expression on their faces were overwhelming, and we will always have a bond between the child and police officer that neither of us will ever forget.” MP |
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