Keeping their communities safe will always be the top priority for metro Atlanta’s law enforcement agencies. But the holiday season also allows officers the chance to be heroes, giving back to those who need it most.
Dozens of children and families benefited from “shop with a cop” outings and other similar events. And some officers and at least one sheriff made it their personal mission to help those in need.
When an Atlanta officer learned about a single father of two who lost his job and was having health problems, the officer went to work. Several officers “adopted” the family for the holidays, according to an Atlanta police social media post.
“Together, the officers were able to collect $1305 and the family was able to purchase clothes, shoes and a much needed tabletop burner since their home does not have a working stove,” Atlanta police posted.
Another Atlanta police Officer, Veronica Campbell, began her “Hope for the Holidays” tradition 15 years ago. This year, 19 families, including 49 children, were invited to the toy giveaway.
“Officer Campbell works hard throughout the year to purchase gifts for the kids from her own pocket,” Atlanta police said.
Police agencies say they rely on the donations and support of their communities to be able to pull off the holiday events.
Thanks to generous donations, Smyrna police officers delivered 40 toys and dolls to children on Christmas Eve, according to the department’s Facebook page.
In Acworth, the police department hosted its annual Christmas Shoppe benefiting more than 100 children and their families. In Gwinnett County, officers throughout the joined the annual Fraternal Order of Police event to buy toys for children in need. And in Paulding County, Sheriff Gary Gulledge shopped alongside families at the county’s Cops for Kids event. DeKalb County police leaders also joined in the department’s “Shop with a cop” outing.
In Clayton County, Sheriff Victor Hill didn’t have to go inside a store to gift others: He stood outside and surprised people with crisp cash. The Sheriff’s Office documented the good deeds on Facebook:
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