Police raise funds for Shop with a Cop

BELLE PLAINE — After teaming up with Vinton for Shop with a Cop the past few holiday seasons, Belle Plaine police have branched out on their own.

Vinton invited a few Belle Plaine children to its Shop with a Cop each year, said Belle Plaine Police Chief Chris Hudson. The program pairs children with police officers who take them shopping before Christmas with money donated from businesses.

This year, Hudson is starting a Belle Plaine Shop with a Cop.

“I kind of believe the best ideas are stolen from other people,” said Hudson.

Hudson sent letters to Belle Plaines’ schools asking for names of students who might benefit from Shop with a Cop and has contacted businesses about donating money to the project. He’s looking for enough money in donations to take 10-15 Belle Plaine students shopping with his officers at Walmart in Southwest Cedar Rapids

The program gives students money to buy things they need, such as winter coats, snow boots or jeans. Children can use the money that’s left over to buy gifts for others or something for themselves, said Hudson.

“You try to give each kid $150,” Hudson said. He’s in the process of asking for monetary donations from businesses for the program. As of last week, he had $875.

If he doesn’t reach his monetary goal this year, Hudson will use whatever money he has to take as many children shopping as possible and will try again next year to get enough for at least 10 students.

“We’d like to make a bigger impact,” Hudson said.

The city is also collecting new or gently used hats, mittens, coats, snow boots and other winter items for children. “We have a fairly large box sitting down here in the city hall,” Hudson said. Donations can be dropped off during regular office hours.