NEWPORT — A group of Newport Police officers will spend their day today continuing a Tristate police tradition of making Christmas merry for underprivileged children through “Shop With a Cop.”

        Their Ohio counterparts are doing the same.

Ray Beach, 9, (right) of Walton checks out electronic games at Kmart in Florence with Boone County Police Sgt. Rusty Ellis and student volunteer Jennifer Myers. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        Friday night, Cincinnati police officers and employees held their ninth annual holiday party for 130 children who are participants in the “Just Say No to Drugs” program in Police District 1. The evening in cluded toys, treats and a visit from Santa Claus.

        Beginning at 9 a.m. today, the Greater Cincinnati Police Athletic Association will host Shop With a Cop for 130 underprivileged children at the Wal-Mart store in Western Hills. Police officers from 10 departments will take part.

        Also today, Newport officers, who have collected more than $3,000 in donations, will escort two groups of youngsters — 30 in all — to the Newport Kmart for either a morning or afternoon shopping spree, followed by a meal at McDonald's on Alexandria Pike.

        Kmart gives the kids and cops a 25 percent discount on toys; McDonald's donates the meals.

        “We couldn't make this happen without the wonderful help of local businesses and individuals who donate to the Shop With a Cop program,” said Newport Police Sgt. Mark Crank. “We received large donations from the Newport VFW, the Newport American Legion, Carlisle Construction, and Newport business owners Armina Lee and Roger Peterson, as well as a number of smaller donations.”

        A number of police departments in the Greater Cincinnati area have already accompanied youngsters to toy stores and restaurants.

        The Fraternal Order of Police lodges in Boone County and Florence sponsored a trip Wednesday to the Florence Kmart, Sports of All Sorts, and McDonald's with a group of Boone County children.
       

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