COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Columbus law enforcement gathered with local kids for the annual Cops, Kids, and Christmas event. Officers escorted children in a lights-and-sirens convoy from the Civic Center to the Walmart on Whittlesey, kicking off a night of holiday shopping and connection.
For the 29th year, the Fraternal Order of Police brought together officers and 50 children for a holiday tradition designed to give back and build trust.
“The entire goal is to benefit those who are less fortunate in our community,” Chairperson of the Fraternal Order of Police’s Cops, Kids, and Christmas program, Lt. Kelly Phillips said. “Throughout the year, officers come in contact with families who have experienced a loss, who are experiencing a need. Those officers have the opportunity to nominate the children from those families so that we can try to make their Christmas a little bit brighter.”
Those selected get paired up one on one with an officer.
Kids are encouraged to pick a little something for themselves, but the program teaches giving, by asking them to shop for family members as well…