Seligman PD begins prep for Shop with a Cop
October 22, 2014
Charlea Mills
Since 2011, the Seligman Police Department has given back to the community through their Shop with a Cop program that enables children in the Seligman community to buy Christmas gifts each year. Now, for the fourth year, new Seligman Police Chief Terry Burgess is continuing the tradition and is looking to the community for help.
In years past, the department has given each child between $100 and $135 to buy gifts with. They’ve taken the kids to Dollar General in Seligman and also Walmart in Cassville. Previously, they’ve taken up to 18 kids.
Burgess said the program is important to the Seligman community, “It builds trust between the Seligman citizens and the police department, and it shows that we care about our citizens.”
This year, Burgess is raising the bar for how much he hopes to raise. He said, “I would like to raise around $3,500 this year, because the more kids that we can affect with this program, the more successful the results will be.”
Other changes might also be in store, although it has not been decided as of yet. Burgess said, “In the past, they’ve chosen ten kids or so and taken them shopping. This year, I’m thinking we will either do that or buy enough toys to make sure each kid in town gets a toy. Whatever we can do to have the most positive impact is what I’m going for.”
In previous years, children were selected either by their parents signing them up or other people in the community recommending them. The children then are taken on a shopping trip to spend their money and usually treated to lunch with officers. The involvement shows kids that the police officers are there to help them and also make sure that all kids have a good Christmas. Children have to live within the city limits of Seligman to qualify.
If individuals or businesses are interested in making a donation can send it to 29144 Main Street, Seligman, MO 65745. Donations can also be made at Freedom Bank to the Shop with a Cop fund. For more information about the program, call (417) 662-3600.
Charlea Mills
Since 2011, the Seligman Police Department has given back to the community through their Shop with a Cop program that enables children in the Seligman community to buy Christmas gifts each year. Now, for the fourth year, new Seligman Police Chief Terry Burgess is continuing the tradition and is looking to the community for help.
In years past, the department has given each child between $100 and $135 to buy gifts with. They’ve taken the kids to Dollar General in Seligman and also Walmart in Cassville. Previously, they’ve taken up to 18 kids.
Burgess said the program is important to the Seligman community, “It builds trust between the Seligman citizens and the police department, and it shows that we care about our citizens.”
This year, Burgess is raising the bar for how much he hopes to raise. He said, “I would like to raise around $3,500 this year, because the more kids that we can affect with this program, the more successful the results will be.”
Other changes might also be in store, although it has not been decided as of yet. Burgess said, “In the past, they’ve chosen ten kids or so and taken them shopping. This year, I’m thinking we will either do that or buy enough toys to make sure each kid in town gets a toy. Whatever we can do to have the most positive impact is what I’m going for.”
In previous years, children were selected either by their parents signing them up or other people in the community recommending them. The children then are taken on a shopping trip to spend their money and usually treated to lunch with officers. The involvement shows kids that the police officers are there to help them and also make sure that all kids have a good Christmas. Children have to live within the city limits of Seligman to qualify.
If individuals or businesses are interested in making a donation can send it to 29144 Main Street, Seligman, MO 65745. Donations can also be made at Freedom Bank to the Shop with a Cop fund. For more information about the program, call (417) 662-3600.
