PAL to host 'Shop with a Cop' at Walmart

Courtesy Appen Newspapers

Alpharetta – The Alpharetta Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) will host the annual "Shop with a Cop" event on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Windward Parkway Walmart.

In the midst of the recent economic downturn, PAL believes this event is more significant now than ever.

This year, PAL aims to help more than 70 children.

Each child, along with their parent, will be accompanied by a police officer, firefighter or public safety volunteer as he or she shops for their desired holiday gifts.

"Throughout the year, representatives of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety come across families who, for whatever reason, face financial challenges," said PAL CEO Jason Cimino.

"These financial challenges often times carry into the holiday season and impact their ability to buy gifts for their children."

With the assistance of Walmart, PAL has chosen to fill the spending gaps experienced by some of our local families and ensure many deserving children are recipients of some holiday cheer.

Each child will be able to spend up to $100. Although this allotment is theirs to spend on items for themselves, often these children elect to spend some of the money on gifts for their parents or siblings. And they are as likely to buy clothing as toys.

This annual police hosted/corporate sponsored event helps local families in need meet the holiday expectations for their children.

At this time, PAL still needs additional sponsors.

Walmart and the Alpharetta Rotary Club have already pledged $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. There have also been $300 in individual pledges.