Memorial Fund for Shop with a Cop

A local organization provided funds for children to have a Merry Christmas.

The Fraternal Order of Police Association of Muskingum, Morgan, and Perry County is preparing for their annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ program this December. F.O.P.A. President Jim Hicks said this is the second year The Perry County Coon Hunters Club were able to assist in providing the local children in need for Christmas.

“About three years ago they had a thirteen year old boy that was a part of their group and he got cancer and passed away,” said Hicks. “To honor him they set up the Jared Helsel Memorial [Fund], Team Jared, and decided to donate the money to ‘Shop with a Cop.”

The Perry County Coon Hunters Club provided F.O.P.A. with $2,615.44 this year through their Jared Helsel Memorial Hunt. Helsel’s mother, Niki Helsel, said that Jared had passed away from Ewing Sarcoma around Christmas time and even though she can’t celebrate this holiday with him she’s happy to know other parents now can with their children through Jared’s memorial funds.

Photo By: Karysa Kent

“The local community helped us so much during Jared’s fight,” said Helsel. “It was three years and you know when we needed them they were there so it’s really nice to be able to give back to the community that gave to us.”

The annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ will be Monday, December 12th at the North Walmart starting at 6:00 P.M.