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Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan was paired with Skyler Putnam for Shop with a Cop. Manahan helped Putnam pick out a stuffed unicorn as one of her first stops in Walmart. 

A Valdosta firefighter shops with a child in a past Shop With a Firefighter event.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta’s police and fire departments are gearing up for their annual Christmas events for children and would like the public to get involved.

The police department’s “Shop With A Cop” program pairs selected children ages 4-12 alongside a law enforcement officer, a Valdosta Police Department statement said.

The two go to a local store for a holiday shopping trip.

“Shop with a Cop is more than a holiday shopping trip — it’s a chance to connect with our youngest community members in a positive and impactful way,” said Police Chief Leslie Manahan. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, we can spread joy, foster trust, and bring smiles to children’s faces during this holiday season.”

Shop With a Cop takes place this year on Dec. 16 at a local Walmart. Donations of any amount will be accepted. For more information on how to donate or get involved, contact Officer Randall Hancock at rhancock@valdostacity.com.

The Valdosta Fire Department’s “Shop With a Firefighter” operates along similar lines, helping families affected by fires or natural disasters at holiday time.

Families facing challenging circumstances are identified by the American Red Cross and forwarded to the department, a fire department statement said. Firefighters will accompany the children and their parents on a shopping spree at the Walmart on Norman Drive from 6-9 p.m. Dec.  11. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at Station One on 106 S. Oak Street, Valdosta, GA 31601 (C/O Valdosta Shop with a Firefighter). Donations are also accepted through this link: https://donorbox.org/shop-with-a-firefighter.

For more information, contact Battalion Chief Clinkscales at jclinkscales@valdostacity.com.