Area F.O.P. Hosts “Cops and Kids” Program

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Some local children will have a happier Christmas this year, thanks to help from the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Earlier this month, officers with Chapter 105 of the Northeast Georgia Fraternal Order of Police took 22 children from nine families shopping for gifts at the Toccoa Wal-mart as part of their “Cops and Kids” program.

Sergeant Jeff Love is the chapter’s secretary/treasurer.

Love said it was a great day for everyone, including the lone survivor of a Canon family killed the day after Thanksgiving in a fatal wreck.

“We had a great day,” said Sgt. Jeff Love, Secretary/Treasurer for the FOP Chapter. “One of the kids was the child left behind when his family was killed in that wreck in Hart County near the Lavonia Speedway. Others also pitched in to help him as well, but overall, it was a good day with the kids getting things they need as well as toys.”

Each child got $100 to spend on items they needed, such as clothes as well as toys and other fun things for Christmas.

Love said the families were grateful for the help.

Even though they were able to help about the same amount of children this year as last, Love said they have seen a decrease in donations.

“I would say personal donations are down, but businesses have been good to us as always,” he said. “Our fundraising has supplied the majority of the money needed.”

Meanwhile, now that this year’s shopping event is over, Love said the chapter is already planning for next year.

“Yes we are. We’re gathering input from our lodge members as to what events that we want to put on in the upcoming year,” Love said. “One thing we will do again is the lawn mower pull which is scheduled for next October. We will likely also do some raffles.”

Anyone interested in getting more information on the Cops and Kids program through the Fraternal Order of Police can contact Love through the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 706-384-2525.