Christmas Cops brighten
holiday for 10 youngsters

By JEFFERSON WEAVER
Staff Writer

Ten local children went Christmas shopping with a police escort Friday, and the officers even picked up the bill.

The children participated in the 13th annual Christmas Cops program. Chief Jerry Britt said he has participated every year “since I was a patrolman,” and both officers and the children enjoy the event.

“It warms your heart to see a child’s eyes light up,” he said. “Too often in law enforcement we just deal with the bad side of life – this is a chance to see the good side.”

The 10 children are nominated by the school system, Britt said. They come from families that have experienced hard times, or might not have extra money for Christmas presents.

The children shopped with $100 gift cards at the Whiteville Wal-mart, and were treated to lunch at McDonald’s. Each child went shopping with an officer. They even had a visit from Santa Claus, Britt said.

“I think it’s a blessing to everyone involved, “ Britt said

The Columbus County chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police donates $1,000 to the program every year, Britt said.

“We hope we can get the community more involved next year,” Britt said. “For some of these children, this provides the only Christmas presents their family may receive.”

Britt said several of the children immediately purchased presents for parents or siblings, rather than themselves.

“It’s touching, I promise you,” he said.

Britt said officers volunteer to participate in the program, and those who have other duties sometimes feel cheated.

“It’s something we all want to do,” he said. “The guys who don’t get picked are always, ‘How come I was left out?’ ”

One effect of the Christmas cops program lasts all year, Britt said.

“We help the children understand that police are their friends,” Britt said. “We want them to understand that if they need help, they can come to a police officer.”