More than 350 kids from around Lower Bucks County took part in the “Shop With A Cop” earlier this month.
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The event at the Target along East Lincoln Highway in Middletown Township paired the 350 kids with 90 members of law enforcement from 19 separate agencies.
The officers, troopers, deputies, and rangers shopped with the kids, who come from families that needed some help this year, to pick out gifts.
Among the departments that participated were the Falls Township, Bristol Township, Middletown Township, Lower Southampton Township, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, and the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office. Numerous other agencies took part.
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Middletown Township Officer Melissa Robison has helped run the event for the past eight years.
“I know that the joy in that Target store was at an all time high on Saturday,” he said.
Credit: Middletown Township police
“As I was standing at the registration table, an older gentleman approached me and said how thankful he was to have decided to come out to shop that day. He said that he couldn’t tell whose smiles were bigger, the kids or the cops. He said he walked in, not knowing what was going on and that seeing this brought him so much joy and gave him a boost of Christmas spirit. It was incredibly kind of him to take a moment to tell me that, but he was absolutely right. We look forward to this day and pour so much time and attention into it, it is the best feeling seeing all the kids, families and officers so happy,” Robison explained.
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The Falls Township Police Department said: “Seeing the smiles and happiness radiating from children in our local communities, who would otherwise wake up to little or nothing on Christmas, is an experience none of us will ever forget.”
“As cliché as it may sound, to see how many families we can bring joy to is awesome. Coupling this with the overwhelming community & volunteer support (of course the Target Corporation too) that is needed for its success and the opportunity to see so many colleagues for a positive social setting – makes the entire event a win. At the end of the day, after the last present is wrapped, I am not sure who the program benefits more – but it’s all about the kids!” Newtown Township police Captain Jason Harris said.
The team at the Target store has revamped the way the program operates, and Robison said that has made the event flow better.
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This year marked the eighth year since the Shop With A Cop program has been based out of the Middletown Township Police Department.
This year, Shop With A Cop raised more than $120,000 from residents, businesses, and community groups.
“I would also love to thank all of the donors, both big and small. Every contribution helps to ensure this events success,” Robison said.
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Paul Muller from Team Toyota contributed the single largest donation, and Jeff Bethman of Lin Bethman and Sons in Newtown, who organized a golf outing for Shop With A Cop at Yardley Country Club, raised $25,000 for Shop With A Cop.
The Middletown Community Foundation has been apart of the program and collects donations for Shop With A Cop.
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