Police ornaments can help kids 'shop with a cop'

Gastonia residents looking to spruce up their Christmas tree and help children this holiday season can do both by making one visit to the Gastonia Police Department.

The agency headquartered on East Long Avenue began selling collectible ornaments Monday. For $20, residents get a metallic replication of the police department and knowledge that their money is helping to fund Gastonia Police's Shop with a Cop program.

Fifty children will descend upon the Target on Cox Road on Dec. 15, police officers by their side helping them spend $250 on toys and necessities.

"It'll bring a tear to your eye," said Amanda Neese, director of planning and research for the Gastonia Police Department. "Watching these kids and the awe that's just in your face."

The ornaments are manufactured by the Charleston Mint, a Brevard-based company specializing in custom ornaments.

Neese says the Police Department plans on selling a different ornament every year, establishing a collector's series for people to collect. The department also sells paper ornaments for $5 that will remain on display on the Gastonia Police Department Christmas tree through the holidays.

Gastonia police hope to raise $12,500, enough to fund shopping excursions for 50 children. Target has already donated $3,000, Neese said.

Children are selected by The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston. It'll be the fourth year the department has hosted the event.

"We've had a couple kids come in in the last few years saying they don't believe in Santa because he's never come to the house and they come through the event and say it's the best Christmas they've ever had," Neese said.

Police will also treat the children to breakfast and a meeting with Santa. Each child will be paired with a cop as they make their way through the store.

Donations can also be made to the cause by writing a check made payable to the Gastonia Police Foundation, Inc., with Shop with a Cop written on the memo line and mailed to the Gastonia Police Foundation at P.O. Box 336, Gastonia, NC 28053.

You can also pay online at gastoniapolicefoundation.org. Donations are tax deductible.

You can reach Adam Lawson at 704-869-1842 or on Twitter @GazetteLawson.