First responders from Granville and Star City are coming together to provide less fortunate families with a memorable Christmas this year.
Sometimes known as “Shop with a Cop,” “Shop with a First Responder” will incorporate local firefighters as well as police officers.
Star City Police Chief Jessica Colebank said the program has been a long standing tradition at Christmastime and it’s something they try to do every year.
“It’s nice for kids to see us in a capacity where it’s not someone getting in trouble,” Colebank said. “And it bridges that gap of the police in the public eye. Whenever kids are less fortunate and have a rough life growing up, this gives them a bit of a different perspective of things.”
Local elementary schools will assist the departments by providing lists of kids who are in need. The children will have the chance to spend an equal allotted amount of money on any items they want or need for Christmas.
“I’ve had kids come up to me afterwards and say ‘hey, you bought me a coat’ – so it’s a good event for everyone that participates,” Colebank said.
Funds for the program are raised through donations, which both departments said are greatly appreciated and would help give a child a great Christmas.
If you would like to donate, checks should be made payable to Town of Star City or Town of Granville with Shop with a Cop written in the memo line.
Donations can be dropped off at either Star City or Granville Town Halls or mailed to either Town of Star City, 370 Broadway Avenue, Star City, WV 26505 or Town of Granville, Attn: Latina Mayle, P.O. Box 119, Granville, WV 26534.
