It will be a much happier Christmas for eight youngsters in Tyrone this year thanks to the efforts of the men and women in blue. With an outpouring of support from businesses and citizens, Tyrone Police coordinated a Shop with a Cop program Dec. 8, clearly making the point that the only way to make a difference is to be the difference.

“Since November 1 we have collected over $8,000. Four families were chosen with a total of eight children and each was allowed to spend $500 on gifts for themselves and their families,” Perkins said. “We were also able to provide each family with a $150 Kroger gift card and a $50 Visa gift card to be used for food and any other purpose they want. Another single mom who applied too late was also given a $300 Target gift card and a Kroger gift card.”

Thirteen offices and staff at the police department donated their time to accompany the kids on their shopping trip, Perkins said. During the shopping trip in Tyrone and Peachtree City, officers doubled as surrogate parents, helping the young shoppers check their Christmas lists and pushing carts full of gifts.

Perkins said the response from residents and businesses was overwhelming. Their response enabled Tyrone Police to help fill 14 empty stockings at Southland Nursing Home in Peachtree City with toiletries and other necessities.

“All in all, the program was a huge success and we are looking forward to next year. We have set a goal to help at least 12 kids,” Perkins said. “This is what being a public servant is all about, giving back more than you take and doing all you can to help others. I’m very proud of my officers for their dedication to the community and for their altruism.”

Participating businesses that donated money or services for Shop with a Cop include 96.7 FM, Action Plumbing Company, Arrowhead Graphics, Inc., ASAP Courier Co., Inc., Aultman Grading, Inc., Autry’s Construction & Cabinetry, Inc., AWI, Bank of North Georgia in Tyrone, Chapultec, Commercial Broom Supply, Dollar General, Drug Free Works, DT Chastain, Ductbusters of Atlanta, Florida Rock Industries, Inc., Gunnin Graphics, Firm of Steven L. Harris, Hopewell United Methodist Church, Ivy Green Lawn Care, LLC, Peachtree Parkway Kroger in Peachtree City, Hwy. 34 East Kroger in Newnan, Motorsports Emergency Services, Tyler Olson, LLC, PAK Mail in Tyrone, Papa John’s in Tyrone, Peach State Ambulance, Inc., Pet Showcase, Professional Touch Catering, Inc., Prestige Fund Raiser, Pump it Up, Red Door Consignment Company, Royal Learner’s, South-Tree Enterprises, Spare Parts Specialist, Stonetop, Inc., Store Services, Sunset Printing, Inc., Tack Trunk, Inc., Peachtree City Target, Thompson Trucking Co., Inc., Tyrone BP, US Machine & Tool, Peachtree City Wal-mart and XOTECH, LLC.

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