As Christmas approaches, the Stuart Police Department Community Programs is preparing for their 2nd Annual Shop with a Cop program.

Stuart Police Sergeant Katie Guisinger says that next Saturday, December 2nd, officers with the Stuart Police Department will take students from the West Central Valley school district and go shopping for gifts for their families. She mentions that last year they were able to take 12 students, and averaged $250 for each student to spend.

Guisinger adds that once they finish shopping, they will take the children out to eat lunch, then return to Stuart to wrap the gifts they purchase for their families while enjoying some treats. The Stuart Police Department Community Programs is a nonprofit 501(c)3, and is only able to hold programs like Shop with a Cop through generous donations, fundraisers and grants to bring programs to the community.

Guisinger explains that any business or individual can help by donating, and can send donations through mail to Stuart Police Department 121 E Front Street PO Box 370 Stuart, Iowa 50250, or drop them off at the police station. Checks can be made out to Stuart Police Department Community Programs or SPDCP.