Annapolis Optimists host 15th Shop with a Cop
The Annapolis Optimist Club’s 15th year of Shopwith a Cop raised more money and reached more families this year than ever before.
Police, firefighters and sheriffs from Annapolis, Anne Arundel County and the State ofMaryland volunteered their time to bring gifts to 35 local children, courtesy of generous donations made to The Annapolis Optimist Club fromlocal businesses and families.
In the past, Optimist members matched first responders with students chosen by school Guidance Counselors. Shopping trips to Walmart were followed by gift wrapping and lunch at Outback Annapolis. First Responders would then deliver the gifts to each student’s home.
This year, coronavirus restrictions prevented that tradition — but not the end result.
Instead, guidance counselors emailed student’s Christmas lists to the Optimist
Club. Dana Lindsay, Club Treasurer, received the lists.
“It was worth every minute,” said Dana, who spent many hours researching requests and placing online orders.
Volunteers met at Optimist Board member Jack Papaleonti’s Academy Realty office to wrap presents, whichwere placed in colorful burlap bags, like the ones Santa carries.
Law enforcement officers loaded their vehicles up with gifts, and distributed them to each student’shome, where childrenand familywere happily awaiting their arrival.
“With a bit of ingenuity, we did not have to disappoint the kids this year,” said Deb Leopold, the Club’s Media Specialist. “We put our heads together, brainstormed, and created a version of Shop with a Cop that did not compromise the safety of our children or First Responders”.
The Annapolis Optimist Club thanks everyone who participated in ShopWith A Cop: Annapolis area schools, the Annapolis housing authority, first responders and the people and businesses who donated. Shop
With A Cop gives families and First Responders the chance tomeetin apositive setting, leading to mutual respect and understanding.
The Annapolis Optimist Club is a local civic association. We are part of Optimists International, a service organization with
over 3,000 clubs and 80,000 members in over 20 countries. Our mission provides sports, academic, and citizenship opportunities for local youth. We are dedicated to helping young adults. Visit facebook.com /AnnapolisOptimistClub for more information.