Photo provided to the Times Observer Cutline Pictured is Conewango Township Police Officer Charlie Andersen last year with participants in the Shop with a Cop program. Shop with a Cop provides nearly 200 children across the county with an opportunity to interact with law enforcement and other related agencies while offering them a Christmas blessing.

Shop with a Cop has been taking place in Warren County for some time, but in the last four years since Conowango Police Officer Charlie Andersen has been running the program, it has grown significantly.

“Last year, we were able to take 190 children from the county shopping thanks to the community’s generosity,” said Andersen.

The generosity begins within the law enforcement community; officers around the county will participate in No Shave November, where their $30 per person donation to grow a beard goes to fund Shop with a Cop.

Officers from Conewango Township, Youngsville, the City of Warren, and the sheriff’s department can donate another $30 to wear their beards through December.

The Fraternal Order of Police coordinates the events each year in cooperation with Walmart, Napoli Pizza, who hosts pizza parties for each shopping day, and many law enforcement professionals around the area.

Participating agencies that join local law enforcement in shopping with the children have included PSP, Homeland Security, parole and probation, border control, Children and Youth Services, the Children’s Advocacy Center, the District Attorney’s office, Emergecare, and more.

“Shop with a Cop is donation-based. We have generous individuals and businesses supporting the initiative,” said Officer Andersen.

Donations are constantly being taken and can be sent to the

Warren County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 83, mailed to 4 Fireman Street, Warren, PA.

If any local business would like to donate to Shop with a Cop and have a photo op with officers, contact Officer Andersen at 814-726-0725 or email him at c.andersen@conowangotwp.com.

Children are referred to the program through various social service agencies around the county but can be referred by individuals who know of a situation.

Multiple shopping trips will take place over the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Andersen said, “The officers truly enjoy doing it; it is a great way for us to interact with kids in the community, and it is a great program for everyone involved.”