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Santa Has A Badge
Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: November 2024
Shop with a Cop is a profound opportunity to brighten the Christmas of local children in need. If you’d like to help, mail donations to P. O. Box 2785, Highlands, N.C. 28741, or drop the check off at the Highlands Police Department.
As Christmas approaches, it is time for Shop With A Cop, a program started by Retired Sheriff Robbie Holland about 27 years ago. SWAC provides Christmas for the children of Macon County who would otherwise have little or no Christmas. The children will be given a $200 gift card to shop with, an increase of $100 over last year’s amount.
Over the years, there have been many heartwarming moments and many instances when officers go above and beyond to make children’s dreams come true.
One such story is when two sisters were waiting outside Highlands School on SWAC day. It was 4:30 P.M. and school had been out since 3:00 P.M.
A teacher asked the girls why they were still there and they told the teacher they were waiting for the Cop to pick them up for their shopping trip. The teacher called the Highlands Police Department who reached out to the Sheriff, and it was discovered those children’s names were not on their list to participate. It was decided that a Highlands Police Officer would pick the little girls up and bring them to Walmart. With smiles on their faces and their $100 gift card in hand, these girls shopped – buying only socks and underwear. One of the things children are asked to do is choose a gift for a sibling but these girls embraced that spirit, shopping for each other. The officers shared this story, and the girls were given another gift card. This time they bought only sweaters and coats.
Another time Officer Scott Nelson and his wife, Alice, went shopping with two brothers, 6 and 7 years old. They had a baby brother at home living with their grandparents, and times were especially tough for this family. Each of the boys only wanted to get food and necessities for the home.
The Nelsons found out the boys had no winter clothes or shoes. Going above and beyond they purchased those items for the boys and items for their family as well. Grandma got a crock pot so she could make warm meals for the family, along with much-needed food and necessities. A box of candies and slippers were purchased for Grandpa, and their baby brother got clothes.
This year there will be a greater need for necessities because of Hurricane Helene and the destruction it brought to Western North Carolina.
Please consider a donation to make Christmas bright for these children. You may mail your check payable to Shop With A Cop or SWAC to Caroline Cook at P. O. Box 2785, Highlands, NC 28741, or drop the check by the Highlands Police Department. Donations are tax-deductible.
