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Struthers Shop with a Cop to host benefit car show
STRUTHERS
Christmas is months away, but the Struthers Police Department already is preparing for its annual Shop with a Cop event Dec. 14.
Through Shop with a Cop, police officers take local children from less-privileged families shopping close to Christmas. They shop for clothes and toys with money raised through donations or fundraising events.
Though the Struthers Police Department has hosted Shop with a Cop for four years, Struthers Capt. Pat Bundy said this will be the second year the department hosts a benefit car show to raise money for the kids to shop.
“Last year, we got the idea of holding a car show to offset the costs in fundraising,” Bundy said. “We’re starting to get so many kids that we can’t strictly rely on donations from the community.”
Bundy said last year’s car show was a success, nearly doubling the number of kids who could take part in Shop with a Cop. He said the department plans to host its second car show with the help of Panther’s Run from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Fifth Street Plaza in Struthers.
More than 100 cars filled the Fifth Street Plaza during last year’s fundraiser. Denise Collingwood, vice president of Panther’s Run, said she estimates more will come this year.
Pre-registration for the car show costs $8, and registration the day of the event costs $10. Collingwood said anyone can pre-register online at www.panthersrun.net. She said the event is free to watch.
In addition to the car show, Collingwood said Panther’s Run plans to auction a crate motor. She said this year’s car show will end with a light parade in which cars will be decorated with Christmas lights and drive down Fifth Street.
Bundy said the event managed to bring about 100 kids to Shop with a Cop last season. He said he hopes even more children can come this year.
“This is the only Christmas some of these kids get,” Bundy said. “That’s why we give them this and keep it going each year. Whenever we see a family that needs help, we toss their name into the hat to get them involved in this.”