 |
|
Law enforcement officers help out at the Foster Care
Christmas Party
|
When the Wellsville Kmart closed in March of this year, it
effectively ended the local Shop With A Cop (SWAC) program. This summer, the
SWAC Committee used its remaining resources to set up an endowed fund with the
Allegany County Area Foundation. The
fund’s objective is to carry on the SWAC ideals - enhancing the holiday season
for kids while also giving them a positive interaction with law enforcement
personnel.
The first-ever grant ($500) from this new Wellsville Shop
With A Cop Fund was awarded this month to the Allegany County Department of
Social Services in support of its annual Foster Care Christmas Party. This
event brings together children in foster care, their parents and siblings and
foster parents.
 |
|
DSS staff, law enforcement and volunteers at the Foster Care
Christmas Party
|
Held December 9 in Cuba, the party, according to DSS
Homefinder Caseworker and party organizer Jennifer Bigelow, saw a record number
of children, parents, foster parents, relative caregivers, and DSS staff
attend. Approximately 70 children received a gift from Santa. Also on hand to help were over a dozen
officers from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department, Cuba and Wellsville
PDs, and Amity-based State Troopers. Ms. Bigelow reports “we were excited to
have law enforcement attend and donate their time. They frosted cookies with
children and families, helped Santa hand out gifts, and served approximately
150 people a hot meal and dessert.”
In addition to food and gifts, party highlights included a
bounce house, a DJ to play holiday themed music, and a photo back drop for
family portraits that were printed on site. The Grinch even showed up to
entertain.
Ms. Bigelow noted her appreciation for those that made the
party possible - host Cuba VFW, Otis Eastern, individual donors, volunteers,
Assembly of God Church (which provided the meal), Xi Alpha Omicron sorority, and
community members that contributed children’s gifts.
