L&A OPP’s ‘Shop With A Cop’ brings joy to local families

The Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), North Addington Education Centre (NAEC) and local businesses joined together this holiday season to bring some extra Christmas joy to families in the local community.

Officers and staff from NAEC had heard of “Shop with a Cop” initiatives in other communities and wanted to share in this experience, according to a release from the L&A County OPP. There was an overwhelming response from local businesses wanting to support families in need within the L&A community, OPP said. The team received enough cash donations and numerous gifts for six students to participate in the “Shop with a Cop”.

“The kids were able to buy presents for their siblings and parents, and be gifted a present as well,” OPP said. “The families received a turkey dinner and all the fixings which were delivered by police and school staff after the kids helped wrap the goodies.”

During the week of December 12 to 17 the team used innovative ways to keep the “Shop with a Cop” happening during the COVID concerns, OPP said. Officers donated their time to go to the school and shop online while having lunch with the nominated students, according to the release. The gifts were then picked up by the officers, who also helped wrap them. 

While the kids were in class on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, the presents were delivered to the doorstep of the joyous families, OPP said. The L&A County OPP and NAEC would like to thank everyone in the community for generously donating to help those in need.