Trending
HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Blair County's Shop with a Cop program is adding a second shopping location as it enters its third year, with donations now being accepted to sponsor a child ahead of the upcoming holiday season.
Freedom Township Police Chief Nathan Claycomb said during the kickoff announcement Tuesday morning that he was "proud to announce" the program's expansion to include the Walmart located in Duncansville, Freedom Township, in addition to its Altoona location.
"We feel that this is a good step forward to provide better for the children of Blair County," Claycomb said.
Sheriff James Ott said the turnout in the program's first two years "has been fantastic."
"The community support that we have from the different sponsors, whether it's individuals, it's corporate business, they've done a tremendous job," Ott said. "We've said many times we're blessed to be in Blair County."
The program's goal this year is for 300 children to be selected for the two shopping dates. A child can be sponsored through a donation of $150, Ott said.
"It's very heartwarming, not only for the sponsorships we get, but to also see the joy that night," Ott said. "The men and women in law enforcement show up the night of our events and you watch the laughter and the joking and just the interaction with the kids; we have to deal with a lot of things that are very uncomfortable and a night like that, just helps make up for a lot of it."
Another goal of the program is to "introduce kids who have only seen law enforcement officers in a bad situation" and "build trust, friendships and long-lasting relationships with law enforcement," Shop with a Cop President Allyson Lonas said.
"So, when they see an officer, they know it's someone they can turn to," Lonas said.
Claycomb agreed, saying children usually only get to see officers "in the worst situations, when we're out handling a call."
"This is a nice way that we can interact with the children and have a real positive influence," Claycomb said.
Every $150 sponsorship comes with a yard sign saying "I Sponsored a Child" and a photo with law enforcement.
"It's a win-win, no matter what direction you're coming from," Ott said.
How to help
Call: 814-693-2526 or 814-254-7151 to sponsor a child and schedule to receive a sign
Mail: Make checks payable to Blair County Shop with a Cop -- CPCF and send to Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation at 1616 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602
Online: Visit centralpagives.org/ways-to-give/ and click on Blair County Shop with a Cop Fund
Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor-Musselman is at 814-946-7458.