Prescott Police Chief Mike Kabbel and Sergeant Georgia Davies accepted a check for $500 from Ruger employees, Sherri Scoggins and Kristen Chellis. Ruger Firearms is a sponsor for Tim’s Toyota Center and receives tickets that are compensated by the Arizona Sundogs. In an effort to raise money for community programs, the Ruger Firearms Company sold tickets to employees at a reduced rate so that money collected could be donated to the Shop with a Cop program.

Shop with a Cop is a program that pairs a law enforcement officer with an at-risk child to give the child an opportunity to see an officer in a non-threatening situation. This program fosters a positive relationship between the two, while also allowing the child to provide for and contribute to their family’s Christmas.

The 14th annual Shop with a Cop event will take place on Saturday, December 10, starting at Glassford Hill Middle School in Prescott Valley. After each child is introduced to an officer, who has volunteered their time to participate in the event, they will be transported in a lights and siren procession from the school at approximately 7:30 AM en route to the Prescott Walmart on Gail Gardner where they will eat breakfast and then be given a limited amount of money to shop for gifts for themselves and their families with the officer.

It is estimated that approximately eighty children will be selected to participate in this year’s program. The children, ages seven to twelve years of age, are referred to this program by area schools, community members, area law enforcement officers, and organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, and Red Cross.

Many of these children come from less than ideal situations and are given an allotment of money to spend for needed items and items for family members and loved ones. This event is made possible solely from donations from the Prescott’s quad-city communities and businesses. If anyone is interested in making a donation to this event, please contact Sergeant Georgia Davies at (928) 777-1962.