The eighth annual program was held Sunday at the Pottstown Wal-Mart on Shoemaker Road. Thirteen officers and numerous police department representatives spent several hours helping children select holiday gifts.

Colebrookdale Police Chief Larry Mauger said each officer is assigned to a child in need from the local community. Each child received $200 for the shopping excursion. The event is funded annually by the family that owns Martin Stone Quarries in Bechtelsville. Quarry Vice President and part-owner Rod Martin said he has been donating to the program since it started eight years ago and this year gave $2,600 to the cause.

"It’s fun just to go and see the smiles on the kid’s faces," Martin said. "It started eight years ago and it just turned into so much more, getting to see the kids who normally wouldn’t have that much on Christmas."

The joy of giving seems to be as strong as the thankfulness in receiving among people at this time of year. "Shop With a Cop" and Terrine Williams’ holiday party are just two examples of the good will surrounding us this holiday season.

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating new, unopened gifts for children can contact Terrine Williams at 610-970-9662. Toys can also be dropped off or sent to Williams at 333 King St., Pottstown, PA 19464.

Printed with permission of the Mercury.
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