LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The 21st Annual Shop with a Cop event brought holiday cheer to St. Mary’s County on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, as 108 children shopped for Christmas presents with law enforcement officers and community volunteers.
The program, which began over 20 years ago, was founded by Joe Stanalonis, a prosecutor, and Bill Raddatz, a deputy sheriff, both members of the 7th District Optimist Club. Their vision was to support underprivileged children during the holiday season and back-to-school time. Since its inception, Shop with a Cop has grown significantly, helping thousands of children in St. Mary’s County over the past two decades.
“I think this annual tradition of putting Sheriff’s Office staff and these children together is one of our county traditions demonstrating that St. Mary’s County is the best place to live and work. There’s no better gift than seeing the excitement and smiles on the kids’ faces,” said Sheriff Steve Hall.
This year’s participants, each receiving $175-$200 to spend at the Walmart in California, Maryland, totaled $21,200 in Christmas gifts.
Officers from multiple law enforcement agencies volunteered their time, making the event a success. Agencies represented included:
- St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
- Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service
- St. Mary’s College of Maryland Office of Public Safety
- Prince George’s County Park Police
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Police
- Naval Air Station Patuxent River Police
- U.S. Navy Military Police
- Maryland Park Police
- U.S. Capitol Police
- Maryland Park Rangers
- St. Mary’s County Public Schools Public Safety
Volunteers from local organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police – St. Mary’s County, MD Lodge 7, and several Optimist Clubs, assisted with shopping and gift-wrapping. Special thanks went to the Mechanicsville Optimist Club, which prepared and served breakfast for the children and their families.
Donations to support Shop with a Cop in St. Mary’s County can be made by mailing checks to:
Shop With a Cop – St. Mary’s County
P.O. Box 2336
Leonardtown, MD 20650
Alternatively, donations can be made via Venmo at @SMC-SWAC.
As another successful year comes to a close, the community is reminded of the power of generosity and collaboration to brighten the holidays for local children.
For more information on Shop With a Cop – St. Mary’s County, visit their Facebook page.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
