Police and sheriff’s deputies in Defiance and Henry counties are getting ready for their annual Shop with a Cop and Deputy events.
For nearly 20 years, the annual program has held the event, which pairs kids with law enforcement officers who help them purchase clothing. This year’s Shop with a Cop will take place Dec. 9–10 at WalMart in Defiance.
Each year, law enforcement agencies get the names of children from teachers and guidance counselors in the schools. They usually have 15 officers dressed in uniform and numerous other volunteers who help with the event.
During this year’s collection, the group has already received an anonymous donation from someone requesting it be used to purchase blankets for children who have been the victims of abuse.
Now, 50 blankets have been purchased already and will be distributed to local law enforcement agencies throughout the county as well as other county organizations that handle abuse cases.
This year, the Henry County’s Sheriff’s Office will be holding its Shop with a Deputy program at the Napoleon WalMart on Dec. 13.