“Shop with a Cop”

Children had the opportunity to do some holiday shopping with the help of local law enforcement.

The Associates Lodge of Fraternal Order of Police hosted their annual "Shop with a Cop" event at Walmart North in Zanesville. About 50 area children in need selected by Children Services, East Side Community Ministry, and other organizations were given the opportunity to spend 110-dollars to buy items they need and one toy of choice.

"The more we interact with the kids as they’re growing up the better off I think our relationship will be as they become adults," said Former FOP President Kasey Jones. "So yeah this is just planting the seed, so to speak, and hopefully things improve from there."

Current President of FOP Jim Hicks said it’s not only a great opportunity for the kids, but a positive experience for the officers as well.

"I love watching the children’s faces and the officers," said Hicks. "The officers, we were at a meeting yesterday and they’re excited, they talk about it, they love going out with the children."

The program is funded through donations received by the F-O-P and a variety of fundraisers held throughout the year.