Prince William law enforcement will be partnering with Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) to help children for the holidays.
On December 2 at 7:15 a.m., FOP Battlefield Lodge 43 will kick off their annual “Santa Cops” event, where law enforcement from Prince William County Police, Prince William Adult Detention Center, Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police and GMU Police will take more than 50 children Christmas shopping.
The shopping will take place at the Potomac Mills Walmart in Woodbridge.
The children, ages five through ten, will be escorted via a convoy of police cruisers to breakfast, before heading to the store to pick out holiday gifts.
“The Prince William County Police Department is proud to partner with the FOP and our fellow law enforcement in the county in this annual holiday event. It’s truly something our officers look forward to each year. We hope there is continual success with the FOP in their commitment to this event,” stated PWCPD Sgt. Jonathan Perok in an email.
And on December 9, the same event will take place on the western end of the county, at the Manassas Walmart location.
“The children selected come from all walks of life and differing circumstances, but all are faced with financial limitations in their homes. Our mission is to promote a positive law enforcement image with these children,” stated a release.
The funds for the program have all been donated by area businesses and individuals.
More on donating to the effort, from a release:
All donations are tax-deductible through the Battlefield Lodge 43 Charitable Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Nothing represents the spirit of Christmas more than giving! Donations are gladly accepted. Donations can be mailed to: Battlefield Charitable Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 195, Woodbridge, VA 22194 or made in person at either one of the events. Fraternal Order of Police Battlefield Lodge #43
