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It’s the season for giving, and there’s no better way than to help supply Christmas gifts for children of local families in need.
Guthrie’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 105 is now accepting donations for its 2022 “Christmas with Cops” event, an annual fundraiser seeking cash or check donations of any amount to fund its holiday program.
Officer Filemon Vasquez with the Guthrie Police Department said any children within the Guthrie school district boundaries will be prioritized, but any children in the county may be submitted for consideration to potentially receive a gift through the program.
FOP Lodge 105 has been conducting this event for many years. Once donations are received, all funds are put directly into the program fund. The FOP will then set the date and location for the shopping event and families will be contacted.
The children will then come to the designated local store and pick a police officer from the group at the store to accompany them. That officer will then go through the store with the child, push the shopping cart, and help them find and purchase their own gifts.
Officer Vasquez hopes for a good donation response this year, as the FOP is concerned that inflation will make it tougher to support a good amount of local kids through the program.
Last year, “Christmas with Cops” served 80 local children.
“We could not do this without the people and businesses here in Guthrie,” Officer Vazquez said.
Also, for large donors, the FOP will coordinate pictures and other media coverage with the donor individual or organization, if desired.
He also stated that while the holidays are the obvious time to advertise the program, the FOP accepts donations all year.
Cash, checks or money orders are accepted. Checks and money orders may be made out to “FOP Lodge #105” or donations may be dropped off with the dispatchers at the Guthrie Police Department HQ. Guthrie residents also can call Guthrie PD Dispatch and an officer will be sent to collect the donation. If mailed, send directly to the Guthrie Police Department at 306 W. Oklahoma Ave., Guthrie, OK, 73044.
For further information, either for submitting a needy child or regarding how to donate, contact Officer Vasquez at 405282-3535 or fvasquez@cityofguthrie.com.