Forsyth Kids Shop with Cops Wednesday

It's that time of the year again when local deputies and police officers get together on one night to brighten the holiday season for many needy children in Forsyth County.

The annual "FOP Cops and Kids©" event, hosted by the Sgt. D.P. Land Memorial Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 82, is Wednesday, Dec. 12. The shopping excursion begins at 6 p.m. at Walmart located at 1500 Market Place Boulevard in Cumming.

Last year 59 needy children participated in the program. This year the lodge is helping more than 100 children between the ages of 3 and 14, according to Det. Matt Starr of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office and a State Trustee with the local FOP.

Deputies and officers with the FCSO and City of Cumming Police Department will show up in uniform or in "police" attire to help the children and their parents shop for holiday gifts.

Each sponsored child receives about $125 to spend on whatever it is he or she wants.

Starr said the families were selected with the assistance of the Forsyth County School system social workers.

"I just want to thank the social workers for their help in making this program go as far as it has this year," he said.

Because the program is a non-profit 501c3 organization, all purchases made by the children will be tax-free.

For more information about the event, contact Det. Starr at 404-392-6307.

You might also be interested in reading:

Buy Safe Toys for Your Children this Holiday Season

How to Track Down the Hottest Toys

Holiday Guide: Your One Stop Shop