Hundreds of kids across Richmond County received gifts this weekend, compliments of local first responders.
The Rockingham Police Department took 25 children from 16 families to Walmart on Friday for the 12th year of its Shop with a Cop program.
The department’s program was started by Detective Jan Owens in 2012.
Chief George Gillenwater said each kid had $350 to spend on their choice of toys and clothes. Three of the children picked out a bicycle and one found a TV for her bedroom.
Most of the children were selected by the school district, however, Gillenwater said this year’s event also included several who are homeschooled.
“We’ve never thought about that before, so we’re going to try to figure something out next year,” Gillenwater said about involving homeschooled children.
All of the money for the event comes from community donations.
“We don’t solicit for any money, we don’t ask for any money,” Gillenwater said, adding that people giving from their hearts just stop by the station and drop money off. Some of those were featured in social media posts and others preferred to remain anonymous.
Another source of income is the annual Back the Blue Ride, which raises money for similar programs in both Richmond and Scotland counties.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office had its annual Shop with a Deputy event last week. Click here to read that story.
As the RPD was finishing up, the sheriff’s office teamed up with the Ellerbe Rescue Squad to pass out presents in the community with its annual Santa Parade.
The following day, RCSO joined the East Rockingham Fire Department and Cordova Fire and Rescue to do the same in the respective neighborhoods.
Cordova Fire and Rescue also hosted its inaugural Coffee and Carols with Santa at the station, with music from the Mount Carmel FWB praise team and the Cameronian Boys, as well as Santa and Ms. Claus.
See more photos from Shop with a Cop, the Santa Parades and Coffee and Carols at the RO’s Facebook page.