PUBLIC VIEWPOINT: Support For Program Appreciated

On behalf of the men and women of the Fayetteville Fraternal Order of Police, I would like to thank each and every one of you who supported our “Shop with a Cop” program in 2009. Once again, the support was overwhelming.

For those who don’t know how our program works, let me tell you. Throughout the year our organization conducts fundraisers in Fayetteville. We also accept private donations and one business, Ye Olde King Pizza, even set up a program where 10 percent of their proceeds come to the program. We then partner with the Fayetteville School District counselors, who provide us names of those who need someassistance for Christmas. Our target range is kindergarten through fifth grade. We send out invitations and meet the families at one of the two Walmart Supercenters in Fayetteville.

Uniformed officers take the children shopping and each student is provided $100 to spend, with our goal being to spend $75 on clothes and $25 on toys.

It is truly amazing what these children ask for. We have had students want more undergarments than toys or a new pair of shoes instead of a game. On Dec. 11 and 12, the Christmas spirit was alive and strong at area Walmarts as we shopped with more than 100 local children. I would like to give a special thanks to ourmembers who were able to attend this event and take these deserving children shopping.

In closing, we also would like to thank all citizens for your support of your law enforcement professionals each and every day. We are proud to work in this great city and although times are not the best financially, it is rewarding to know we are appreciated. We look forward to continuing to serve your needs and thank you again for your support. We could not do this without your assistance.

DOMINIC SWANFELD

Fayetteville

SWANFELD IS PRESIDENT OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE 10 IN FAYETTEVILLE.

Opinion, Pages 5 on 12/31/2009

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