Lexington Police Department sponsors ‘Shop With a Cop’

LEXINGTON, Tenn. — If you see a blue light shining on someone’s front porch this season, it may be more than just a holiday decoration.

The Lexington Police Department is raising money for their second annual “Shop With a Cop” event by selling blue porch lights for $5 apiece.

Officers say it’s a great way to give to the community.

“It’s good for people who may be searching during this time of the year to make a big impact and may not have a lot of resources to do it,” Capt. Jeff Middelton said. “This is a great way to give back.”

The “Shop With a Cop” event will take place Dec. 12.

The program allows children from low-income homes to shop for anything from toys to food during the holidays.

Lexington officers will be paired with a child and spend the day with them. They say they look forward to being part of the big day.

“I really enjoyed it last year, the opportunity to interact with those kids,” Capt. Middelton said. “It was a blessing to us individually.”

The blue lights fundraiser is just one way they are raising money.

Officers say several businesses are getting involved this year as well.

“Several business owners are sponsoring kids for $200 each,” Community Coordination Officer Robbie McCready said. “All that money goes directly back to the Shop With a Cop program.”

One of the goals of the program is to build bonds within the community.

“Just the general era of law enforcement across the country and the stuff we are going through,  I think it creates a good, unique bond,” McCready said.

Those who want to buy a blue light or donate to the program can do so at the Lexington Police Department.

Officers say there also are other businesses around town selling the lights to raise money.