F’ville cops help needy families with ‘Christmas with the Police’
By BEN NELMS
The Fayetteville Police Department will soon host the 11th Annual “Christmas with the Police” event designed to lend a helping hand for several local families in need.
Det. Mike Whitlow said the annual event will be held on Dec. 11 and is made possible with the help of a number of local businesses and individuals. Several Fayetteville families will be treated to a visit with Santa, food and gifts, Whitlow said.
“The families are chosen based on recommendations from the Fayette County Board of Education, the Department of Family and Children Services and an interview with Fayetteville police officers,” Whitlow said. “We recognize that because of the current economic situation, Christmas is a difficult time for many families and this program provides added holiday cheer for children.”
Whitlow said each child creates a “wish list” and Fayetteville officers and personnel shop for and wrap each present for the children for the children.
“The families are then invited to a Christmas party at the Fayetteville Police Department along with the officers who participated and, of course, Santa Claus,” said Whitlow.
Whitlow said the program is not possible without the support of the Fayetteville business community, including the Fayette County Civitan Club, the Kiwanis Club of Fayette County, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Riverdale Post 3650, Partners II Pizza, the Royal Stix restaurant, the Real Life Store and the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers. There are also many private citizens who make financial donations to the program, Whitlow added.
“This program will continue as long as the support remains as strong as it has in the past,” said Whitlow.
Anyone who may want to contribute to the Christmas with Police program is encouraged to contact Lt. Mike Whitlow at 770-719-4222.
