CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — 60 Gregory Portland ISD students were chosen based on needs to go Christmas shopping with our local heroes. But this year, the program has their own needs.
Ten thousand dollars to be exact. This year, certain donors haven't been able to contribute just yet, so the program spotted the money they needed.
"Once they're chosen we don't pull them off, we'll go ahead and continue to shop with them and go ahead and continue to raise money throughout the year," said Tara Mylett, Shop With a Cop Executive Director
While this year's event is in the books, the program wants to make it clear that donations are still welcome.
"Some of the customers here at Walmart, they're asking 'Hey what are all the law enforcement doing here with the kids?
And when we explain to them, they're giving monetary donations right then to us," said Mark Cory, Chief of Police Portland.
It's an event they want to continue not only for the kid's presents, but for our youths relationships with law enforcement as well.
"This officer may go all day long or all week long and not even have a kind word or a thank you said to them. i've seen officers brought to tears in this program before," said Mylett.
Shop with a cop says the community always comes through, as do the law enforcement officers.
"We are there for them, at all times, whatever they need," said Chief Cory.
If you're interested in helping Shop with a Cop, you can mail donations to PO Box 10128 Corpus Christi, TX 78460, or call 361-442-4787, or via Paypal, just look for CCFOP Shop with a Cop, or contact through a Facebook Message.
