The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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  • April Renteria assists Enid police officers with gift selections for her children during 2011 Shop with a Cop at Enid Kmart. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

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November 28, 2012

Shop with a Cop still in need of donations

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID, Okla. — Donations are needed for an annual event that helps families who might not otherwise have a merry Christmas.

Shop with a Cop teams up Enid Police Department, Southside Recycling and Kmart with families and gives children a chance to buy whatever they want in the store. Families also receive a gift card to purchase groceries.

Last year, 110 children got to shop with one of about 20 officers from the department. The kids each spent $100 at Kmart, and their families received a $50 Jumbo Food gift card.

Officer Steve Varney, who organizes the event, said enough applications have been received but the project could use a little more support.

“We still need some donations,” Varney said. “It’s looking pretty good, but we could still use some donations.”

Shop with a Cop will be held the morning of Dec. 15. The event is made possible by Enid businessman Jim Holt, owner of Southside Recycling, 516 E. Hackberry.

Holt said last year he got the idea from a business in Tulsa that sponsors a similar program. Holt wanted to give something back to the community, so he contacted Varney.

Chief Brian O’Rourke said the event allows the department to give back to the community.

“Officer Steve Varney and the Fraternal Order of Police put this together and do a great job of it,” he said. “The police department is definitely happy to be a part of it.”

O’Rourke also said the event wouldn’t be the same without its sponsors.

“We’re happy to be working with Kmart again, and they were great to work with last year,” he said. “Southside Recycling’s donation to this event is just unbelievable. It allows Shop with a Cop to impact many more than we could by ourselves.”

Donations to the program are needed by Dec. 10. Those wishing to donate can email Varney at svarney@enid.org.

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