KINGWOOD — Thirteen Preston County children will have a happier Christmas this year thanks to officer Gina McNemar, her family and friends.
Kingwood City Police Officer McNemar came up with a unique idea for fundraising after it was too late for the 2020 Christmas holiday. She decided this year would be different.
“I ordered some crafting supplies in February and started crafting hair bows and earrings,” McNemar said. “I announced the idea on my personal Facebook page, and my friends and family were very excited about it.”
McNemar started a group called The Crafty Cop and began sharing the items she was making. People soon donated money in exchange for the handmade earrings and bows.
“It grew quickly and my goal of $300, or $100 per kid for three kids become $1,200. Enough for two kids in each grade at Kingwood Elementary,” she said.
By September, McNemar had raised more than $2,000. She said the race was on to raise $400 more so 12 children could each go on a $200 shopping spree.
By McNemar’s birthday, Dec. 10, she had raised over $3,600.
“We were able to take 13 kids on a $200 each shopping spree at Walmart on my birthday,” she said. “It was followed by a pizza party, where each kid got a Christmas stocking stuffed full of goodies. It was one of the best birthdays I ever had.”
McNemar said it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her family, specifically her mother, Missy, who raised $1,000, and her fiance, Mike, who gave her unconditional support.
“He continually supported me in all my crazy late-night crafting, even making earrings himself,” she said. “And all of my friends who donated and shared, helping spread my idea to the community, this wouldn’t have been possible without them and the amazing support of our community.”
McNemar said after the shopping trip and the party, there was just under $1,000 left in the fund. She said this money will go into an emergency fund to help members of the community when unexpected tragedies occur.
“I plan to spend the holidays with my family and then start fundraising around February for Shop With A Cop for 2022,” McNemar said.
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