The annual Crime Alert Berks County holiday Shop-with-a-Cop returns to Boscov’s North in Muhlenberg Township on Thursday, Dec. 15.
Twenty-five elementary school students from 30 Berks public and parochial schools were selected to participate in the event. Each student receives a $100 Boscov’s gift card to buy presents for family members. A contingent of 50 law enforcement officers from departments covering the students’ school districts, as well as personnel from the district attorney’s, coroners’ and sheriff’s departments will be on hand to escort and assist the children in their gift selection process. South Heidelberg Police Chief Leon Grim recruited the law enforcement volunteers.
The children and their law enforcement escort “teams” will set off on their shopping adventures immediately after the 6:01 p.m. arrival of Santa Claus in front of Boscov’s North on a Muhlenberg Township Fire Department ladder truck.
Santa Claus will greet the students and law enforcement officers. The children will then pair off with an assigned officer to begin their shopping adventure.
The Muhlenberg High School Brass Band will play holiday music. Catering by John Lowe will provide refreshments, along with Boscov’s, for the law enforcement escorts and the children. Dairy Queen of Exeter and Kenhorst is offering a special sundae station for the children.
“We value 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 giving, so important at this time of year, as well as to understand that police officers are kind and are always there to provide a helping hand.”
A number of Crime Alert Berks board and advisory board members will be on hand to assist at both locations.
CAB Vice President Chris Nein organizes this annual event.
“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, he said, provides half of the gift cards valued at $100.
Gift wrapping service will be provided by United Way of Berks County volunteers.
