Shop with a Cop aims to help 25 children
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LEWISTOWN -- The program begins with a simple number: $100. That’s what each child receives when Juniata-Mifflin Shop with a Cop brings local children and law enforcement officers together for a December shopping trip.
To serve at least 25 children this year, the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata needs at least $2,500 available. The shopping trip is scheduled for Dec. 16 at Walmart in Lewistown, giving children an opportunity to choose Christmas gifts for themselves and members of their families.
"We would love to be able to serve at least 25 this year," said Colette Hartzler, executive director of the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata.
When Hartzler responded to questions, fundraising had only begun and no new contributions had arrived. A small balance remained from last year, giving organizers some money to begin planning, but the number of children served will depend on what the community provides.
"We are just now asking the community to help us make this happen," Hartzler said.
Organizers would like contributions for this year's event to arrive by Dec. 9. That gives participating officers time to review nominations and decide which children can take part. Donations received later can be carried into next year's program.
Now in its sixth year, the program served 24 children in 2024 and 20 in 2025. Children are nominated by schools, Children and Youth Services offices in Mifflin and Juniata counties, and other local agencies that work with young people.
The program is intended for children affected by financial hardship, crime or other difficult circumstances.
Officers make the final selections, Hartzler said. "I email the registrations we've received along with the amount of money we have available, and they decide."
Hartzler works with Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Andrew Bishop, who helps gather officers for the shopping trip.
"It is always an amazing show of support from all of the law enforcement groups who come out for this," Hartzler said. The participating children are paired with officers while they shop, part of what United Way describes as a relationship-building experience between children and law enforcement. Each child receives $100 to buy gifts for themselves and family members.
The donated money has one purpose. "It all goes to the kids to shop," Hartzler said.
United Way pays the additional costs, including wrapping paper and food for the gathering that follows the shopping trip. Parents and guardians pick up their children and take them to the FAME building in the industrial park for a pizza party.
Downtown OIP & Grille provides pizza at a reduced price, and Hartley's Potato Chips donated chips for this year's party.
"Families, officers and volunteers gather for a great time of holiday celebration; sometimes Santa even shows up," Hartzler said.
This year, the children will receive hats and gloves in addition to their shopping money. United Way is working with Celebration Villa Reedsville to collect the winter items. Donation boxes will be available at Celebration Villa and the United Way office.
The collection gives people another way to support the children alongside monetary donations of any amount.
Hartzler also credited Walmart in Lewistown for allowing the program to use the store and for providing staff assistance during the event. The shopping trip requires coordination among the United Way, police officers, participating families, volunteers and local businesses.
The program accepts donations of any amount. Checks should be made payable to Juniata-Mifflin Shop with a Cop and mailed to the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, 13 E. Third St., Lewistown, PA 17044. Contributions can also be dropped off at the United Way office or any Juniata Valley Bank location.
All contributions designated for Shop with a Cop go toward the children's shopping money, Hartzler said. The United Way covers the party and other supporting expenses, so the full donation remains available for gifts.
The organization will continue accepting money after Dec. 9 because those contributions can support the program in 2027. This year's officers, however, will make their decisions based on the nominations they receive and the money available for the Dec. 16 trip.
For this year, the arithmetic remains direct: $100 for each child, at least 25 children and $2,500 needed to put the shopping money in their hands.
For more information, call the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata at 717-248-9636.