Christmas with a Cop hosts more families this year
This year’s annual Christmas with a Cop, organized by the Tuscora Lodge #4 Fraternal Order of Police, was nothing short of “awesome,” according to one participant, Austin Belknap, 8, of Dover, who received two large bags of colorfully wrapped gifts.
It was the 10th year for the event, which was held at the New Philadelphia Elks. Though the families leave with the gifts still wrapped, it is up to the parents when the children will open them. Many planned to save them for Christmas Day.
Before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived to talk with the children, the families enjoyed a lunch of pizza.
“It’s nice for the officers to get together with the families,” said Belknap’s mother, Tonya Hawk. “It puts the officers in a positive light with the kids and makes them feel safe. It’s also a great opportunity for the community to come together. We’d like to thank the officers.”
Approximately $8,000 was spent on the event for food and gifts for the 35 children selected this year by area teachers to participate in the program. According to Chad Dorsey, chairman of Christmas with a Cop, the event planning starts in September with the distribution of information to area schools.
Once the families are selected, Dorsey calls every family to find out what the children need and want. Members of the FOP and their family shop for each child and wrap the gifts. The gifts are a mix of toys and clothing including jackets.
Aubriella Johnson, 6, of New Philadelphia, made sure to speak with officer Robert Everett, president of the lodge and an auxiliary officer for New Philadelphia. Johnson likes Barbie and baby dolls and was hoping to get those from Santa this year.
One gift couldn’t be wrapped to hide the contents. Todd Coen, 5, of New Philadelphia, was the recipient of a Spiderman-themed bicycle. He was thrilled even though he admitted later Batman was his favorite superhero. Coen was bursting with excitement at the thought of riding the bike, but according to a family member, it’s going to be on Christmas.
Holly Raderchak of Dennison had not heard of the event before but was pleased her family was selected to participate this year. “It’s been a tough year,” she said. “It’s very wonderful, and I’m very thankful that someone put our name in.”
“Thanks to all the businesses and community members who donate to us year after year,” Dorsey said. “Without them we couldn’t do this.”
A donation of $50 gift cards to Aldi grocery stores for each family capped off the event.
Christmas with a Cop is a big undertaking for the FOP, but given the excitement and smiles at the event, one well worth continuing. Extra funds collected this year have been put back to continue the event in the future and make more “awesome” holidays for area children.
