The Italy Police Department is starting their own “Shop with a Cop” program. The program was established to build positive relationships between police officers and the children of the community.

On a Friday morning in early December, the police officers that are involved with the program will take the children that were selected to Wal-Mart in Waxahachie and then to the police department to eat pizza and wrap presents.

Each child makes a list of family members and is helped by an officer in spending their gift card to buy presents for everyone in the family and some things for themselves. It is a very positive experience, not only for the kids that are involved, but also for the officers.

Children are recommended for participation in the program by the Stafford Elementary school. They will select five children between the ages of six and eleven and who have a social or economic need. Each family of the selected children will be delivered a dinner to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

Community participation is very welcome for the “Shop with a Cop” program. We will be accepting all forms of donations toward this program. If you would like to donate your time, money, or Wal-Mart gift cards to help make a child’s Christmas special, or would like to nominate a child, please contact:

Officer T. Mooney or Officer D. Pitts at (972) 483-6414 ext 6.