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Police Academy Partners With Cambria County’s Shop With A Cop Program

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Police Academy is partnering with Cambria County’s Shop with a Cop program for this year’s holiday season.

Police Academy instructors and cadets will actively support the initiative by assisting with event operations and accompanying children as they shop for Christmas gifts alongside local police officers.

“As a child, I experienced the joy of a similar program, and years later, as a police officer, I had the chance to shop with kids, inspiring me to involve the Penn Highlands Police Academy,” stated Cory Fairman, Assistant Director of Police Academy & Campus Security. “My hope is that the cadets will not only assist now, but also continue this as officers, creating community connections and investing in the future of all our children. I’m thrilled to see this partnership grow and succeed.”

The Shop with a Cop program will be held on two separate dates this year. The first event is scheduled for December 9 at the Richland Township Walmart, and the second will take place on December 16 at the Ebensburg Walmart. Both events will begin at 5:30 PM.

“This partnership is dedicated to supporting and encouraging children, all while fostering trust between them and law enforcement,” stated Allyson Lonas, Cambria County Shop with a Cop Program Director. “Partnering with the Penn Highlands Police Academy strengthens our mission and creates a lasting collaboration to benefit children in our community. Thanks to the dedication of individuals and local businesses, this program is here to stay, bringing joy to kids across Cambria County during the holiday season.”

Now in its fourth year, the Shop with a Cop program continues to bring joy to children who have been victims of crime, witnessed or experienced trauma, or faced other unfortunate circumstances. The program provides these children with the opportunity to go shopping with a local police officer.

This initiative gives children a memorable holiday experience, while offering them the chance to choose gifts for themselves and their loved ones.

Donations are still being accepted to help make this event possible. A $150 contribution sponsors a child, giving them the opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts with a local officer and spend up to $150 at Walmart.

For more information or to donate, visit the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies website or visit the Cambria County Shop with a Cop Facebook page.