News : Holiday with a Cop holds 2nd Annual Event

Officer Katie Shimerowski of the Vinton Police Department saw an opportunity to organize a bit of fun, education as well as help some families that might need a hand during the Christmas season. Organizing the Holiday with a Cop project, she is seeking donations for the project each year.

Last year the program allowed several area children to go on a shopping trip with Law Enforcement Officers from both the Vinton Police Department and the Benton County Sheriff's Office.

On Wednesday, December 4, the area police officers will be serving in another venue, at Pizza Ranch. From 5-8:00 p.m. to raise money for the project. Be sure to stop in, and drop an extra tip in the jar for them!

The Vinton Police Department released the following statement about how you can help with the project. The VPD wants to spread Holiday cheer to community children in Vinton.

With the help of the schools, the VPD will select a number of children to participate in the program.

Officers will be paired with children for a little holiday shopping. The program will benefit both children and officers alike. The children will get to interact in a one-on-one setting with officers, which help to build trust and relationships. It is also a chance for officers to give back to their community by donating their time to help a child in need.

The goal is to give each child around $110 to spend first on things they need, and then on something they want. If the child is in need of a new coat, shoes, boots or clothes, these will be the items that the child will select first. The child will then be able to use any money that might be left over for a gift for themselves, a sibling, or a gift that they can get for their family. The hope is that we can get the money to spread as far as we can so that we can get the child the items that they need to stay safe and comfortable this season, and then have some leftover for them to just be a kid.

The plan is to have all fundraising completed by December 11th or 12th and then take the kids shopping on the 16th at the local Theisen's.

Checks can be written to the: Vinton Police Department and donations can be brought to the police department or call 319-472-2321 and an officer can come to you and pick it up.

**PLEASE NOTE: The Vinton Police Department will be hosting a fundraiser at Pizza Ranch Wednesday, December 4th, 5-8 PM to raise money for Holiday with a Cop. Officers will be busing tables...come out and see us in action!!