After postponing because of the winter storm this past weekend, Law Enforcement officers from seven different agencies paraded down Route. 235 carrying 115 excited children on board – every one of which grinning from ear to ear. The annual Shop with a Cop program was underway on Wednesday, Dec. 23 – lights, sirens, cops and a whole lot of joy.
The annual Shop with a Cop program is sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 and all of the Optimist clubs of St. Mary’s County. Joe Stanalonis, President of the Seventh District Optimist Club got the program started seven years ago. This year the program raised enough to provide 115 less fortunate children with $225 to go Christmas shopping.
Law enforcement agencies participated from all over the region included: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Department of Natural Resources, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Department of Defense Pax River, St. Mary’s College Public Safety, and Homeland Security.
“The people in this community are fantastic,” said Cpl. William Raddatz, Shop with a Cop coordinator for SMCSO. “I grew up in a small neighborhood in Chicago where people came together to help each other, and St. Mary’s County is like one huge neighborhood.”
He stated that all the officers volunteer to do the program twice a year. “We also help kids who need a leg up with school supplies.”
The program raises funds throughout the year to help children and families in need. Any one that would like to contribute can make out a check payable to “Shop with a Cop.” The 501(c)3 charitable organization receives donations at 23150 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. Cpl. Raddatz is available for more information at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1958.
