Officers from the Portsmouth and New Boston Police Departments as well as members of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office thanked citizens for the generous donations that made Christmas just a little bit brighter for kids in our area.
The Fraternal Order of Police Scioto Lodge 33 didn’t let the COVID-19 pandemic stop their annual Shop With A Cop Program even though things looked a lot different this year. “To say that 2020 has been a tough year is a grand understatement,” the organization said in a statement. “The rough times did not slow down the people that made donations to the program. Once again our community shined through.”
The organization said it received donations from companies big and small as well as restaurants hit hard by COVID-19 and citizens. “We received donations from other first responder organizations in our community.” The FOP also said folks who moved away from the area. They said police officers, their families, and teachers worked “like little elves to get the gifts wrapped and ready for delivery.”
Thanks to all that generosity, the organization provided Christmas gifts for 130 children.
Clothes and Toys for 500 Kids
Members of the New Boston Police, Fire, and Service Departments were also out in force delivering gifts. They collected donations from local motorcycle clubs, businesses, and citizens.
According to the New Boston Police Department, “We were able to buy Christmas presents and clothes for over 500 kids that live in the Village. God Bless everyone who collected, gave, and helped delivered this year.”
A Huge Thank You
Sheriff Jeff Lawless said, “Being able to provide these gifts to children in need is very heartwarming to us, especially when we see the joy on their faces when they are presented with their gifts.