Over 50 kids could have chance to shop with local police
Area police departments are making a list, checking it twice, and getting ready to shop.
Local officials heard an update recently on the Shop with a Cop program being organized by the North Penn Area Police Athletic League.
“We were trying to get 50 kids, and right now we’re at 53. Last year, up until the last minute, we took anybody who asked for help,” said North Wales police Chief Dave Erenuis.
“And we’ll also take donations,” he said.
The North Penn PAL is a regional grouping of police departments that band together for community events, fundraisers and gatherings, with info available on the group’s Facebook page.
This year’s shopping trip is scheduled for Dec. 13, and will bring a limited number of kids ages 4 through 13, who apply beforehand, to shop for holiday gifts at the Target store in Montgomery Township. Those who apply must attend a school or live in the North Penn school district and submit a confidential application to one of the participating departments; the shopping is funded by donations of private sponsors, businesses, and individuals, and volunteers can help with gift wrapping and registration.
New this year is an online Venmo account for those interested to donate digitally, those donations can be made year-round, and borough officials are tracking their progress toward that $15,000 goal by showing an elf steadily climbing a decorated Christmas tree as the number increases. Borough Manager Christine Hart added that borough residents set the bar high in 2024, and she hopes they top that total this year.
“Last year, the entire program [had] a $15,000 goal for the year, and North Wales borough alone raised that $15,000. We actually raised more than any other municipality,” she said, and Erenius added: “By far.”
For more information or to volunteer or donate, contact [email protected] or follow “North Penn Area Police Athletic League” on Facebook.
