LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Dozens of St. Mary’s County children are stepping into the school year with new clothes and supplies thanks to the Shop With a Cop – Back to School Edition, held Saturday, Aug. 16, in California, Md.
Forty-five children were each given a $225 budget to shop alongside law enforcement officers, community volunteers and local leaders. The program, first launched in St. Mary’s County in 2003 and expanded in 2004 to include back-to-school shopping, has become a cherished tradition for families. Organizers say it is not only about easing financial burdens but also about building positive connections between youth and those who serve the community.
Organizers will continue the tradition with the Christmas Shop With a Cop in December, which provides gifts for children and their families during the holiday season.
Donations are accepted by mail at St. Mary’s Shop With a Cop Inc., P.O. Box 2336, Leonardtown, MD 20650, or through Venmo at @SMC-SWAC. Volunteers may contact program president Bill Raddatz at 240-587-3920.
Shop With a Cop Across Southern Maryland
Shop With a Cop is also celebrated in neighboring counties. Calvert County hosts both a back-to-school shopping trip in August and a Christmas event in December, supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Sheriff’s Office, Optimist Clubs and other law enforcement agencies. More information is available at the Calvert County Shop With a Cop page.
In Charles County, the program centers on a holiday edition each December, led by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office with participation from La Plata police, Walmart staff, volunteers and donors. Local police describe it as one of the most joyful days of the year.
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