For the 11th year, the Upper Perk Police Department organized their Shop with a Cop event.  With the help of neighboring law enforcement officials from East Greenville, Marlborough Township, and the Pennsylvania State Police, the officers escorted 22 youngsters as they shopped.

Law enforcement officers taking part in Sunday's Shop with a Cop at Walmart in  Upper Hanover Township included organizers Upper Perk Police Department, and officers from the East Greenville, Marlborough Township, and Pennsylvania State Police.

            Along with donations from several businesses, organizations, and individuals the event is funded by the Upper Perk Police Officers Association.  Weekly deductions from the officers' paychecks help fund the association to allow them to sponsor events like "Shop With a Cop."

            The shopping venue hosting the event again this year was the Walmart

East Greenville Police Sgt. Josh Halteman and Officer  Mike Altomare assist participant Nathan Garcia with sel- ecting gifts from the toy aisles of Walmart.

Supercenter at the Shoppes of Upper Hanover.  The store employees were gracious hosts as they opened up their establishment and let the youngsters, from kindergarten to 5th grade, roam the aisles with their police escort to shop for themselves, and, perhaps, others.  Students were from the Upper Perkiomen School District and selected by staff members of the district.

            The student shoppers were broken into two groups of 11 as they and their escorts guided the shopping carts through the store aisles.

            When the shopping was over, the young Saturday morning shoppers and their police partners were treated to pizza, the pies supplied by Chiaro's Pizzeria and Restaurant of Green Lane.

            While the students were enjoying their repast with the police, a few of Santa's helpers, also known as volunteer staff members from the Upper Perkiomen School District, were busy wrapping presents in a next-door room.

            Some of the volunteers, including police officers, brought a family member or

Staff from the Upper Perkiomen 4-5 Center, Danielle Stanek, Devon Guthrie, and Brook Best wrap items children picked at the Shop with Cop event.

two along to help out. 

            It wasn't a fund-raising event.  It was a giving event experienced by, and appreciated by, all who participated.