The Centralia Shop with a Cop program has provided Christmas Cheer to about 180 students in the Centralia area this year.
Administrative Lieutenant Steve Whritenour says this is a great way for the police department to give back to the community.
“Now having 2 full time SRO’s which is very beneficial to us. We are able to reach out to the administration of our schools to find those kids who may not necessarily have a Christmas so we were very fortunate to be able to reach out to not just our city schools but area schools.”
Students from Jordon, Schiller, Willow Grove, Centralia Junior High, Central School, Central City, and North Wamac were all included.
“We couldn’t do this without the businesses and individuals reaching out and making the donations they do over the course of the year. We do our annual golf tournament which raises a few thousand dollars, but the big thing is the mailer that we send out and with that raising $15,000-$20,000 because we will probably end up spending $30,000 today.”
Whritenour says they still need some donations to complete the fund raising for this year’s program.
Centralia’s new Police Chief Christopher Locke says Fairview Heights had a similar program and is glad to now be participating in the Centralia Program.
“Think it’s a great community police interactions. Gives us an opportunity to see the residents in a different way and form relationships. I know we are inspired by it and enjoy it and talking to the parents so far I think they do feel the same way. We are just very thankful that we are able to do this and interact with our community like this and just having a good time.”
Centralia Police Officers were joined by Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies, Central City Police, State Police, and some of the Centralia High School football players in taking the kids shopping.
Whritenour thanked Records Manager and Dispatch Supervisor Stacey Jolliff for her work each year in putting together the list of participating kids and getting information to them on when to show up for their time to Shop with a Cop. He also thanked the Centralia Walmart for their assistance.
Waiting to check out following their Shop with a Cop experience.
Some members of the Centralia High School football team including Will Graham also got to shop with some of the kids.
Many of those involved in the Centralia FOP Shop with a Cop. Photo by Brock Jolliff.
