Cops and Kids Program Gearing Up in NE Ga.

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, Chapter 105 of the Northeast Georgia Fraternal Order of Police received the last of its applications for “Cops and Kids” program, which helps children from low-income families shop for presents.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeff Love is the chapter’s Secretary/Treasurer and oversees the program.

He said they would be going through the applications last week.

Love said they hope to select about 25 children from the five-county area they cover, which includes Stephens, Franklin, Hart, Elbert, and Rabun counties.

Each child selected will receive $100 to spend on items they need, such as clothes as well as toys and other fun things for Christmas.

Then on December 3, the kids will be taken to the Toccoa Wal-mart to shop with an officer.

Love said they always get a lot of support from Wal-mart when they come with the children.

He went on to say the kids not only want to spend their money on themselves, but also on loved ones so they can have a happy Christmas too.

Throughout the year, the Fraternal Order of Police raises money for the “Cops and Kids” Christmas program through various events.

This year, they expect to raise about $2,500 for the kids.

Love said, however, that donations are still being taken.

Anyone interested in giving to the “Cops and Kids” program through the Fraternal Order of Police can contact Love at the Franklin County Sheriff’s office at 706-384-2525.