The members of Steve Young Memorial Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police have been very fortunate to be able to lend a helping hand to those in need of some Christmas cheer this Holiday season, even during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Children from each elementary school in Marion County were chosen by the schools to participate in the annual Cops and Kids event at Meijer on December 5, 2020.Children were able to go shopping with a Marion law enforcement officer and get essentials and also gifts for themselves and family members.
“Our members look forward to doing this every year and I would guess that we have more fun and get more out of this experience than the kids” said Marion FOP President Jim Fitsko.
In addition to Cops and Kids, FOP 24 was able to provide hundreds of toys to children who are in foster care, through referrals from Marion County Children’s Services; children who staying in the Turning Point shelter through our relationship with that outstanding organization and finally, children selected to participate in the Angel Tree program through the Salvation Army.
FOP 24 obtained most of these toys through our friends at the Pennsylvania State FOP who provide toys to FOP lodges across the country each year to help spread Holiday joy to kids who need a little help. Other toys were donated by Marion residents or bought by FOP 24.
“We are thrilled to be able to support these wonderful organizations that we have had such an outstanding relationship with. So many organizations in Marion do such great work at this special time of the year and we were honored to be able to play our part” Fitsko said.
***Photos can be obtained from our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fop24