The 5th Annual Shop with a Cop event was held at Walmart on Veteran’s Memorial Drive on Saturday morning.
65 children from Genesee County were paired up with a law enforcement officer and were able to Christmas shop for themselves and their families.
(Press Release) Grant money from Walmart, designated specifically for this event was distributed equally to the Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police Troop A. The schools, (including school resource officers) within Genesee County assisted in choosing the children.
The City of Batavia Police Benevolent Association, Genesee County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, City of Batavia CSEA members, the City’s “Jeans for Friday” program, Department of Public Works (AFSCME) Union, H.E. Turner & Co. Inc. Funeral Home of Batavia & Bergen, Bonarigo and McCutcheon Law Office, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC and Walmart Staff raised additional funds which enabled 23 extra children to participate.
Additionally, the Village of LeRoy Police Department received a donation from the Rotary Club of LeRoy to sponsor 5 children.
A total of 57 children were invited to participate in this year’s event. Once at Walmart, the children will take photographs with Santa Claus and meet with their individual “Cop.”
Walmart graciously hosts the event, allocates employees specifically for the event, and also donates gift wrapping materials. Gift wrapping will be completed by the Young Adults Group from Batavia City Church, members of the Batavia Police Explorer’s Post and family members from Batavia Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
The Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police Troop A, and Village of LeRoy Police Department would like to thank Walmart for their generosity and assistance to make this a great event. We would also like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
