BATAVIA — About 30 kids will have help from officers as they seek out holiday gifts for their families this Saturday morning at Walmart, 4133 Veterans Memorial Dr.
Police from Batavia and the village of Le Roy, along with county Sheriff’s Office personnel, will hold the 8th annual “Shop With a Cop” event. Any excess funds raised will go toward next year’s event. Each child will have the opportunity to take a photograph with Santa and meet his or her individual police officer before browsing the store.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and effort put forth by our officers into organizing this event for the community and, in particular, Detective James DeFreze, who does a tremendous job every year in putting this event together,” said Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch. “We are proud of the efforts of our department to have started this event 8 years ago and by partnering with the Le Roy Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, this has become a highly anticipated event in the community.”
Walmart, H.E. Turner & Company, Inc., the Batavia Police Benevolent Association, Civil Service Employee Association (CSEA), the Bonarigo and McCutcheon law office, and other members of the community have donated to “Shop with a Cop.” City police say about $2,800 was raised as of Tuesday. Those interested in donating, may contact DeFreze at [email protected].
“On behalf of our department, the Village of Le Roy Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office we would like to thank Walmart for their generosity and assistance in making this event possible,” Heubusch said.
Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello said his understanding is city police and their kids will start shopping at 9 a.m. and Sheriff’s Office personnel will be at Walmart around 10 a.m. to start shopping with the children they’re helping.
City Police Department Detective Eric Hill said city police will be helping 11 children shop Saturday morning.
“We’ve always had a good turnout for this. To be honest with you, it’s my favorite event that we do. It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s one of the ways that we can give back to some kids in the community and families to provide some assistance for them during the holiday season. I think there’s been a couple of years when I’ve been unable to attend.”
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