NEW CASTLE —
Lawrence County’s law enforcement and emergency community is gearing up for their annual Shop With a Cop.
The once-a-year shopping spree is where police and other emergency personnel pair off with underprivileged children to buy them things for Christmas that otherwise their families could not afford.
The overwhelming generosity of the community has made the event possible every year, explained New Castle patrolman Terry Dolquist, who organizes the effort.
So far, the New Castle police and other departments countywide have raised more than $9,000 for this year’s event, and it is still growing. That amount includes a $5,000 donation from Wal-Mart, which is the site of the annual event.
He hopes the funds will provide gifts for more than 100 children.
This year’s shopping date is Dec. 5.
According to Dolquist, the event couldn’t happen without the contributions that come annually from local businesses and private donors in the community.
“The money goes 100 percent to helping children,” he said.
Last year, a total of $19,000 was raised through donations, and Dolquist is hoping to reach or surpass that goal this year.
The local police and other officials paired off with 114 children to let them pick special gifts for themselves or other family members for Christmas. Each child received $125 to spend.
Another $3,000 was contributed to the Salvation Army to help buy backpacks for underprivileged children. The backpacks were given out at the agency-sponsored back-to-school event at Cascade Park.
Another contribution also went for the repair of a fence at Flahery Field through a local baseball league that was refurbishing the field.
Children who are selected for the Shop with a Cop shopping spree are chosen through local schools. People who know of needy children may contact their school prinicipals or guidance counselors to get their names on the list.
The police also get names from Lawrence County Children and Youth Services of children who are in foster care.
Anyone who would like to donate to Shop With a Cop may make checks payable to Shop With a Cop and donate them at the Greater New Castle Federal Credit Union.
Local departments helping with the effort include the New Castle police and fire departments, the Pulaski, Union, Shenango and Neshannock police, Noga Ambulance Services, Lawrence County Adult and Juvenile Probation departments, the Lawrence County sheriff’s office and the Lawrence County jail. This year, the U.S. Air Marshals of Pittsburgh also have promised to participate, Dolquist said.
(Email: dwachter@ncnewsonline.com)
Community Events
Police seek donations for Shop With a Cop
- Community Events
-
-
Trail group to meet
The Wampum Chapter of the North Country Trail will meet Monday at Hito’s Restaurant in West Pittsburg.
-
New Castle classes schedule reunions
Two New Castle High School classes are planning gatherings over the next few months. First up is the class of 1971, which is planning a 60th birthday party for its members.
-
Need a last-minute gift idea for Father's Day? Pick up a ’Canes’ DVD!
One team. One vision. One heartbeat. TWO incredible keepsakes! Relive all the magic of New Castle High’s WPIAL championship basketball season by purchasing a collectible DVD or special section that was given out at the team’s banquet.
-
Rabies clinic planned to aid March of Dimes
There will be a rabies clinic this week to benefit the March of Dimes. The clinic will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Plain Grove Township Building, 1029 Plain Grove Road, Volant.
- Road work: Coming on Route 19, Petersburg
-
Red Cross offers babysitting class
This summer, the Red Cross will launch a babysitting class, with the option for online learning. The course gives students babysitting information to ensure children stay safe in the protection of their caretakers. Interested New Castle residents can enroll by visiting RedCross.org/Babysitting.
-
Veterans program to look at hospice
Aid and attendance, along with hospice, will be the topics for a veterans benefit seminar Friday. Speakers will be Shirley Noga, director of Lawrence County’s veterans affairs office, and Rebecca Wendel, a social worker with Jameson Hospice.
-
Kolodziej returns to 'Polish Hour'
Ray Kolodziej is coming back. Beginning Sunday, the WKST Polish Program hosted by Ray Kolodziej will air from noon to 1 p.m.
-
Shirts sales honor fallen police officer
Memorial T-shirts for Officer William J. “Jerry” McCarthy are now available at the Shenango Township Police Department. The shirts also are available online at www.officermccarthy.com.
-
Inspection leads to bridge closure
Safety concerns have led to the closure of a bridge on Squaw Run Road. The Wayne Township supervisors ordered the bridge closed after an inspection found significant deterioration of the span.
- More Community Events Headlines
-
Trail group to meet
