CU-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club holds 2nd Shop with a Cop event to benefit local children

Clinton County recently celebrated its second Shop with a Cop event, planned by the Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Criminal Justice Club. A total of 50 families had the opportunity to shop alongside police officers and first responders at the Mill Hall Walmart, making this holiday season especially meaningful for local children and their families.

Law enforcement and emergency agencies from across the region came together on campus, including CU-Lock Haven Police, Lock Haven City Police, DCNR, Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.

Stephen Lee, CU-Lock Haven vice president for enrollment management and student affairs and campus administrator, greeted families and praised the hard work, coordination and passion that brought the event to life.

The program also welcomed firefighters to participate with the children and with a full emergency services escort from the CU-Lock Haven campus to Walmart, featuring apparatus from Citizens Hose Company No. 5, Castanea Fire Company, Lock Haven Fire Department, Goodwill Hose Company and Renovo Fire & EMS.

While departing campus, families enjoyed a "send-off celebration," where students, staff and community members lined the sidewalks to cheer on the children. Participants arrived at Walmart in a limousine bus provided by Arrive in Style LLC and a school bus from Susquehanna Transit, both decorated with garland and playing holiday music.

"I can't tell you enough how impressed I am with the CJ Club," said Ranger Lynes of Bald Eagle State Park. "Their dedication really showed with how well this event went."

Inside Walmart, families were greeted by Santa and the Grinch. Children also enjoyed face painting by Pfirman's Face Painting, cookies from Sabrina's Cake Cottage and a coloring activity table. Coffee was provided by Starbucks of State College for all first responders and officers.

"This year, we went bigger," said Ashton Peters, program coordinator and CJ Club president. "I couldn't more proud of my club and their dedication to Shop with a Cop. Just seeing the children smile and laugh says it all."

Numerous local businesses and community members helped make the event possible by sponsoring children with monetary gifts for shopping. This year's sponsors and in-kind donors included: Village Tavern, Bill's Happy Camper, Jennifer Yordy, Lawrence Transue, Alison H. Sohmer, Taylor Tyczka, Berry Clean, Bowes Farms, LMB Trucking, Bailey Rauch, Lock Haven Regatta Council, First Quality, Masonic Lodge, Brett Bowes / Berry Clean, Haven Wash Station, Rossman Post Home Association, Empire Livestock, Martin Motors, Castanea Fire Company, UPMC Lock Haven ER Staff, Mill Hall Walmart, Arrive In Style, Susquehanna Transportation, Clinton County Department of Emergency Services, Flash & Sirens of Clinton County PA LLC, Pfirman's Face Painting, Sabrina's Cake Cottage, Starbucks - State College and campus support.