Shop with a Cop was a success

Staff report

STRUTHERS

Struthers and Lowellville police departments had their annual Shop with a Cop event together Sunday, and “It went better than anticipated,” said Struthers Police Capt. Pat Bundy.

A total of 89 children from Struthers and Lowellville began the day with breakfast at AMVETS Post 44 Career Center, 305 Elm St. The Arby’s restaurant, 5166 Youngstown-Poland Road, Boardman, supplied the meal.

Gold Cross Limousine Service and Jubilee Limosines provided six limo buses and a trolley to transport the children to Walmart, 1300 Doral Drive, in Boardman.

Popular items purchased by girls included clothes and toys from the Disney film “Frozen,” while items purchased by boys were Nerf guns and sports items such as footballs and basketballs.

Police were assisted by the Struthers Fireman’s Association, the New Middletown Police Department, and Struthers business and social organizations and residents. Bundy said he appreciated the support from within the community to make the event bigger than it was.

Struthers police already have shopped for 39 children totaling more than 100 underprivileged children. An additional 25 children will be shopping with volunteers this week.

The program began four years ago and started with 48 children. This year’s goal was to have 100 children, but Bundy said they’ll reach 150 by Christmas.