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Santa Cops spread holiday cheer

The Santa Cops project is a delightful annual effort to make the holiday season a bit brighter for area youngsters whose families need a hand up to make this time of year as merry as it should be.

The Fort Dodge Police Association, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Dodge/Webster County Reserves, Iowa State Patrol and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are collaborating on a truly inspiring holiday undertaking. Officers take the young folks on $100 holiday shopping sprees.

Area schools help pair law enforcement officers with needy families and children. The program is funded through private donations. The officers participate during time off from regular duties, but are in uniform for the shopping trip to the Target store in Fort Dodge. This annual event will take place Dec. 12 and 13. This year 113 youngsters are scheduled to participate.

One particularly important aspect of the program is that children get to have one-on-one contact with an officer in a totally different environment than they would on the street. This helps shape positive attitudes regarding the role of law enforcement personnel in our community.

This is a marvelous holiday tradition that benefits both the children and the law enforcement officers who participate.

The adults say they are impressed and inspired by the generosity the young shoppers show. Frequently, the youngsters are more focused on what they can get for their loved ones than on fulfilling their own desires.

Looking for evidence of the Christmas spirit? You need look no farther than the Santa Cops and these youngsters.

Donations to keep this holiday tradition thriving for many years to come are needed. They should be sent to the Santa Cops program in care of the Fort Dodge Police Association. The mailing address is Webster County Law Enforcement Center, 702 First Ave. S., Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Checks should be made out to the Fort Dodge Police Association, No. 8. Donations are accepted all year long.

The Messenger is an enthusiastic backer of the Santa Cops project. We urge our readers to give it their support as well.

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