Harford's First 'Shop With A Cop' Heralded As Success

HARFORD COUNTY, MD -- More than two dozen children in Harford County will have a merrier and brighter Christmas this year thanks to the generosity of the community, especially law enforcement.

Maryland State Police partnered with local police agencies as well as area businesses over the weekend to host its first annual "Shop with a Cop" event.

"The kids had a lot of fun today and really enjoyed riding in the police cars and parading through town," officials said after Saturday's event. "They even had a little fun with some snowball fights!"

Watch the video at the end of the article to see scenes from the event.

Each child was driven in a police car to the Bel Air Target, where they were given $275 to spend on toys and winter clothing, police said. A total of 26 children participated, after they were identified by social services and community groups as being in need.

Chick-fil-A of Forest Hill and Mission BBQ of Perry Hall provided lunch, while Philly Pretzel Factory of Bel Air served up pretzels and Newberry Cafe of Bel Air offered festive cupcakes for the occasion. Party City helped decorate as well, police reported. There was also an online fundraiser for donations.

"We are amazed with the outpouring of support for our community, especially for our very first year!" Maryland State Police said in a statement. "With the success of this event, we are very happy to do this all again next year!"

The following agencies participated, according to Maryland State Police:

• Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack
• Maryland State Police JFK Barrack
• Bel Air Police Department
• Harford County Sheriff’s Office
• Havre de Grace Police Department
• Department of Natural Resources
• Maryland Transportation Authority

Maryland State Police Corporal Scott Sander organized the event, according to the Bel Air Police Department, which stated this in summary: "An awesome day for the Harford County community."

Watch the recap video:

And see the Maryland State Police photo album:

Photo Credit: Harford County Sheriff's Office.