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Phillie Phanatic to appear at Crime Alert Berks Shop-with-a-Cop event

Dec 11, 2017 • by Crime Alert Berks

The annual Crime Alert Berks County holiday Shop-with-a-Cop returns to Boscov’s North in Muhlenberg Township the evening of Thursday, Dec. 14, with a special appearance by the lovable Phillie Phanatic.

Twenty-five fourth- and fifth-grade students from 20 different Berks public and parochial schools were selected to participate.  They each receive a $100 Boscov’s gift card to buy gifts for their family members.  A total of 27 police officers from departments covering the students’ school districts and members of the Berks County Sheriff’s Department will be on hand to accompany and assist in the gift selection process.  Wyomissing Police Chief Jeffrey Biehl recruited the law enforcement officers.

“We enjoy this opportunity every year to help children fulfill their Christmas wish lists for their families.” Said Rick Periandi, president of Crime Alert Berks County.  “This gives each child the chance to experience the joy of gift giving, so important at this time of year.”

The arrival of Santa Claus at 6:01 p.m. sharp on a Muhlenberg hook-and-ladder truck in front of Boscov’s North kicks off the evening.  He will greet the students and their families.  The children will then pair off with an assigned officer to begin their shopping adventure. 

The popular and ever-unpredictable Phillie Phanatic will be greeting everyone between 6 and 7 p.m.

The Muhlenberg High School Band will be on hand to perform an hour-long concert of holiday favorites.

Members of the Crime Alert Berks board and advisory board will be serving as Santa’s gift-wrapping elves to help the children make their presents even more special.

CAB Vice President Chris Nein organizes this annual event and donates pizzas for the participants.

“This is something I look forward to working on every year,” he said, “and I particularly salute Boscov’s for everything they contribute to this annual event.”

“Boscov’s provides half of the gift cards valued at $100,” said Nicole Blanski, regional manager of public relations/special events of Boscov’s Department Store, LLC.  “Boscov’s is proud to participate in helping to make Christmas such a special time for these amazing children.”

Dairy Queen of Kenhorst is supplying ice cream treats.

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