The Valdosta Daily Times (Georgia)

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News

December 19, 2008 Friday

STATE AND REGIONAL NEWS

20081219-VD-Shop-with-a-Cop-1219

526 words

Shop with a Cop: Law officers, Moody personnel bring early Christmas cheer

Malynda Fulton, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.

Dec. 19--VALDOSTA -- Little Ashura Ellis trailed one step behind Lowndes County Sheriff's Office Jail Officer Mike Brown as he escorted her down the toy aisles of Wal-Mart. Shy, yet anxious to find some key items on her Christmas list, Ellis kept her sights on a "Hannah Montana" art gear case, some "High School Musical" pajamas and a fancy tiara.

Ellis was one of 47 children paired with law enforcement officers and Moody Air Force Base personnel during the Sixth Annual Shop with a Cop event at Wal-Mart on Inner Perimeter Road Thursday evening.

For nearly two hours, uniformed officers could be seen patrolling the toy and clothes sections of Wal-Mart to make sure the children got exactly what they desired.

Georgia Department of Corrections Officer William Jones and little Jaylen Chachere singled in on a Kid Connection toy truck collection, while D'angelo Rice took Valdosta Police Capt. Bernard Robinson on a hunt for games and collectibles.

Tracy Wilmer of the 820th Security Forces Group at Moody Air Force Base helped pick out bicycles and clothes for Allen, Keshawn, Amelia and Marcus Floyd. This year was Wilmer's first time participating in Shop with a Cop; she looks forward to doing it again next year.

"I love watching the children smile," Wilmer said. "That's what the holidays are all about."

Geraldine Collins watched in delight as her grandson, Hasaan Kates, tagged alongside Lowndes County Sheriff's Office Cpl. Todd Moye in search of clothes and toys.

"This is so nice and it sure made my dream come true," Collins said. "I didn't know how I was going to get all of the gifts on his list, so I'm glad we could get a little help."

After several buggy rounds throughout the store, the group of shoppers made its final gift selections before enjoying a pizza party and visit from Santa Claus.

Shop with a Cop participants are selected by the staff of the Valdosta Police Department and area school systems and range in age from 4 to 11. The event is made possible through monetary donations from the community.

"We appreciate the contributions of Leadership Lowndes and Sallas Mahone Elementary School, who gave generous donations, as well as several private donors," Valdosta Police Lt. Bobbi McGraw said. "We had a tremendous turnout from law enforcement and Moody AFB personnel and we are grateful they dedicated their time to be with a child."

McGraw also expressed special thanks to Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart employees, the Super Santa Claus, the administration at the City of Valdosta and all the citizens who supported the event.

"Whether you donated your time or your money, we thank you," McGraw said. "We are glad we could help make a few area children's Christmas brighter and we look forward to it every year."

To see more of The Valdosta Daily Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/. Copyright (c) 2008, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

December 19, 2008