CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) The Clarksville Police Union and Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), “Shop with a Cop” was held Saturday at the Sango Walmart. Police officers took around 212 children from all over Montgomery County Christmas shopping.
Close to 50 Clarksville Police Department (CPD) officers helped each youngster spend $100 on clothes and toys. Along with the officers, CPD employees, volunteers from the Police Union, FOP, CPD Explorers, Clarksville Police Academy Alumni and even Santa Claus joined in as the kids picked out their favorite Christmas items.
The children were nominated by Clarksville-Montgomery County School System elementary school guidance counselors, CPD employees and Montgomery County citizens. Detective Dennis Honholt was the organizer of the event and talked about “Shop with a Cop.”
“We’re doing it for the community. There are so many good people out here, so many businesses and individuals that have donated to this program. It’s one of the opportunities the police department has to show the community and show the young people what we’re really all about,” said Honholt.
The event is funded by donations from area businesses, civic groups and citizens throughout Montgomery County. The CPD officers who helped with the shopping were all volunteers and Clarksville Police Chief Al Ansley was on hand to show his support for the officers and the program.