Shop With A Hero Enters Final Fundraising Push

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Cartersville, GA -- The Bartow County Shop With a Hero program is gearing up to serve a few hundred less fortunate children this holiday season.

The program, which is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, is expected to reach anywhere from 290 to 300 children, said Bartow County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Jonathan Rogers, who is also on the initiative’s committee.

“We try to cap our program at 300 children, as logistically, that is about all that we can handle in one day for one shopping session,” he said.

Organizers are on track to reach their goal to raise $50,000 for this year’s program, which will allow each child to spend $150 at Walmart at 101 Market Place Boulevard in Cartersville.

Any remaining funds will be deposited into Shop With A Hero’s bank account to be used for the 2016 event.

Each year, just like in previous years, the day will begin at 9 a.m. with a warm breakfast at the Clarence Brown Conference Center. The event will feature Santa Claus, music and raffle drawings for the children. Once the children are fed, they -- along with their parents -- will be placed on school buses and escorted by public safety vehicles to Walmart.

Once at the retailer, each child will be paired with a hero to spend $100 on clothing for themselves and the remaining $50 on whatever they chose.

This year’s program could have been overshadowed by news of the DeKalb Shop With a Cop program allegedly keeping a portion of donations made by citizens, according to a Fox 5 Atlanta report.

But, the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office didn’t allow that to happen. When the station broke the story, organizers immediately reached out to local and regional media organizations and offered those outlets an opportunity to examine their books.

“We are totally transparent with our program and any one is welcome to inspect our accounts/statements,” Rogers said, adding anyone is welcome to come observe the program on the day of the event.

Rogers said the program not only helps less fortunate Bartow County families, but also helps build a stronger relationship between the community and law enforcement, EMS personnel, firefighters and public safety officials.

“This gives these children and families a chance to see the human side of the heroes, whereas many times they only see us while working,” he added. “This really warms the heart of all who volunteer their time and help to bring joy to these kids on this day. We make sure the kids know that it is all about them from the time they register at the breakfast.”

To make a donation to this year’s event, visit the Bartow County Shop With A Hero website.

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Image via Shutterstock