This year, the Gastonia Police Department will host a Virtual Shop with a COP. Instead of Breakfast with Santa and in-person shopping at Target, officers will meet virtually with participating children to learn what they want for Christmas. Officers will shop online, pick up purchases, and deliver gifts to the children on Dec. 18.
“This is the sixth year we are hosting Shop with a COP and we are truly excited to partner with the Gastonia Police Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Gaston, and Target to help the youth in our community have a wonderful holiday season!” said Chief Travis Brittain. “This year’s event will look a little different due to the pandemic, but we will be working to make it as special as we can for each child.”
The Gastonia Police Foundation will provide officers with pre-paid $250 Target gift cards for online purchases which typically include clothes, shoes and toys for the 25 children selected to participate by the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Gaston. Then starting at the GPD at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, a procession of police cars with lights and sirens on will leave for the Boys and Girls Club at 310 S. Boyd Street to deliver gifts. Blue Santa will assist with gift delivery and say a brief message to the children before officers provide gifts to their assigned child.
To help raise funds the department is selling its 4th annual collectors Christmas ornament, which features a 3-D police K-9 and can be purchased for $20. Paper ornaments are also for sale for $5 and can be signed and placed on the Christmas tree in the GPD public lobby. All proceeds benefit Shop with a COP.
Purchases for ornaments can only be made in person at the GPD front desk at 200 E. Long Ave. Donations can be made at the front desk, online at the Gastonia Police Foundation website, or by mail (Gastonia Police Foundation, P.O. Box 336, Gastonia, NC 28053). Checks should be made payable to the Gastonia Police Foundation with a note that the check is for “Shop with a COP.” If you have questions please call 704-869-1990.
