CU-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club partners with area police and fire departments to host Shop with a Cop event

Clinton County recently celebrated its inaugural Shop with a Cop event, hosted by the Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club. A total of 21 families had the opportunity to shop with a cop at the Mill Hall Walmart, making this holiday season extra special for local children and their families.

Officers from various agencies, including CU-Lock Haven University Police, Pine Creek Township Police Department, DCNR Bald Eagle State Park, PA State Police-Lamar and Clinton County Sheriff's Department, came together to participate in the event, which also featured an escort by local fire and police departments from the CU-Lock Haven campus to Walmart. Fire stations who participated included Citizens Hose Station 6 and Goodwill Hose Station 7.

The support and participation by the community were overwhelming. "It was a wonderful event, nice to put a smile on people's faces for the holiday season," said Ranger Lynes, Bald Eagle State Park.

"This was Clinton County's first-ever Shop with a Cop, and it was an awesome success," said Ashton Peters, Criminal Justice Club president. "Seeing all of the children's smiles and also having the fire department help us with a really cool escort, was great. I can't wait to plan an even bigger event for next year."

The Mill Hall Walmart was happy to accommodate the event at their store and also had Santa stop by for a visit with the children and their families.

Several area businesses and community members participated by sponsoring the families, providing them with a monetary gift for each child to use to shop. Sponsors included:

• Walmart, Mill Hall
• Muthler Landscaping
• Momoyo Otsu
• Berry Clean
• Wild Willies Treat Company
• AP Photos
• Valley Hotel
• Pearls Cafe on Main
• Ed Knecht General Contracting
• The Horn Family
• Dr. Edward Bowman
• Mary McManus
• Linda Hawkins

The CU-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club looks forward to making this an annual university/community partnership and tradition.