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Valdosta Police Shop for Christmas Gifts with Local Children

Valdosta Police Shop for Christmas Gifts with Local Children
Posted at 7:07 PM, Oct 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-25 16:32:26-04

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - Officers from the Valdosta Police Department are gearing up to host a community outreach event, called Shop with a Cop in December.

According to a Gallup Poll released this week, American's respect for law enforcement has climbed to a near-record high.

The poll showed that 76 percent of adults have "a great deal" of respect for local police. That number is up 12 points since last year.

The poll was released following more than two years of regular nationwide protests over deadly police encounters with unarmed African-Americans.

That's why police in Valdosta are working to build bridges with the community with their Shop with a Cop event.

Organizers said the purpose of this program is to brighten the holiday season for local children who received little or nothing for Christmas.

The requirements are: the children must live in Lowndes County; children must be between the ages of 4-11 years old; must be referred to the program by a law enforcement officer, teacher or school administrator; and cannot have not been previously selected for this program.

They said that each child selected will receive money to make purchases at the Super Walmart on Inner Perimeter Road. The children selected will also be treated to a pizza party after they finish shopping.

The event is scheduled for Dec. 19, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Officers are asking those interested in donating or assisting in any capacity,  to them at (229) 242-2606.