Neighborhood groups raising money for Shop with a Cop
Del City police take a child shopping as part of Shop with a Cop last year. file photo
By Lea Terry
Midwest City Beacon
For decades, police departments all around the country have hosted “Shop with a Cop,” an annual event that pairs police officers with local children and gives each child money to spend on Christmas gifts. This will be the 13th year for Del City’s Shop with a Cop event, which takes place in early December. As in years past, Del City’s Neighborhood Watch associations are coming together to raise money for the event by partnering with a local McDonald’s.
This is the third year that the Neighborhood Watch associations have partnered with McDonald’s to raise money for Shop with a Cop. This year’s fundraising event is scheduled for October 17 from 5 to 8 pm at the McDonald’s at 4502 S.E. 29. Last year, McDonald’s donated 15 percent of the night’s proceeds and the event ultimately raised $1,500. Ron McCall, president of the Del Aire
Neighborhood Watch Association, said they would like to increase that amount by $500 this year. They’re also selling McDonald’s coupon sheets for $5, with a value of $15. The coupon sheets can be purchased through local Neighborhood Watch associations or at the fundraising event. They will also be selling apple pies at the fundraiser for $2 each.
Around 20 children from Del City schools are selected each year, and the event typically starts with a breakfast followed by a shopping trip where Del City police officers assist children in shopping for themselves and their families.
Ward 2 Councilperson Pam Finch pointed out that the fundraiser is important because it directly gives back to the community.
“It’s important to note that all proceeds stay within Del City limits and help local children,” she said.
McCall also stressed the importance of Shop with a Cop and what it means to local children and families.
“That’s 24 kids that wouldn’t have otherwise had a Christmas,” McCall said.
