Officers/Firefighters make Christmas a little better for twenty-six area kids

From bicycles to Barbies, it will be a much happier Christmas for many youngsters in and around Drexel this year thanks to the efforts of the men and women in blue. With an outpouring of support from businesses and citizens, the Drexel Police Department, with help from the Drexel Lions Club and Drexel Volunteer Fire Department, coordinated a Shop with a Cop/Firefighter program December 13, clearly making the point that the only way to make a difference is to be the difference.
It was another successful year for the 6th annual program. Twenty-six children were selected and provided with $75 each to spend at the Harrisonville Wal-Mart. Since the beginning of November officers and firefighters collected nearly $1,500 in donations from area businesses and citizens. Next years’ hopes are that children will be able to receive $100 each.
Children from the areas of Drexel, Freeman, and Pleasant Hill went shopping with representatives from the Drexel Police Department, Drexel Fire Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Freeman Police Department, Dolan West Dolan Fire Department, and the Bates County Sheriff’s Department. Freeman Police Chief Andrew Evans raised $500 and brought five children from that area.
“This program would not be a success if it were not for all those who donated money to this worthy cause,” commented Drexel Police Chief Jon Carpenter. “This is what being a public servant is all about, giving back more than you take and doing all you can to help others. I’m very proud of our officers and firefighters for their dedication to their communities and for their altruism. I would like to thank all those who donated their money and time to help out with this event.  I know that all those who participated had a wonderful time and we all look forward to doing it again next year.”