This year marks a milestone in Williamsburg as the 20th Annual Williamsburg Police Department Shop with a Cop program is slated to take place next month at the Williamsburg Walmart. If you want to see something to make your heart melt, then you should come out and see it on Dec. 18.
I remember when it all started.
In 2005, then Williamsburg Police Officer Kenny Shaw helped spearhead the effort to raise $2,000 to take underprivileged children on $100 Christmas shopping sprees at the Williamsburg Walmart.
It seemed like kind of a daunting task that first year. Thanks to the efforts of the Williamsburg Police Department, pretty much everyone, who worked over at Williamsburg City Hall, and a lot of generous people and business in the community, it was successful.
Over the years, the program has grown immensely with organizers raising several thousands of dollars each year. Since its inception, the program has helped thousands of children.
Now the program typically takes at least 150 less fortunate children or more each year on shopping sprees.
Everybody from police officers, troopers and deputies to firefighters, local politicians, EMT’s and judges come out to assist the children with their shopping efforts each year.
As someone, who has been to most of these events, I can assure that the smiles on the faces of these children are priceless.
Often, these children, who many times have few things monetarily speaking, will be the most generous wanting to use part of their money to buy toys or clothes for their younger siblings.
It is great to see when the police officer that they are shopping with tells them that their siblings have their own money to spend, and this is for them.
Some of the children go to the event with a specific big item in mind, like a new bicycle. Others need a little more guidance unsure at first what they want.
Everyone from the children to the volunteers leave the store that night with a smile.
I would encourage local residents to give generously to support the Williamsburg Police Department Shop with a Cop program, the Corbin Police Department Shop with a Cop program, the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, the Empty Stocking Fund, the Lion’s Club Christmas basket appeal, Angel Tree projects and several other worthy efforts across our communities to help those less fortunate.
One of the major fundraisers for the Williamsburg Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program each year, is the Williamsburg Turkey Trot 5-K, which is now in its 18th year. It has become an annual tradition for many Williamsburg families who come out to walk or run the 5-K every Thanksgiving morning.
Like many things, it started out a little slow.
The first year only drew 37 people compared to last year when the event had over 300 participants and grossed $22,921.
Before I conclude this column let me switch gears and talk about the new Immanuel Baptist Church Williamsburg Campus building, which is pretty impressive. I was out there last year when they held the groundbreaking, and I got the chance to tour the completed structure a couple of weeks ago. The first church service was held a few days later on Nov. 9.
There is a large field behind the church, which has a lot of possibilities. I look forward to seeing what the church is able to do with it.
