(middle) Amanda Leugers, FOP Charity Board Cops and Kids Representative readies officers for the annual Cops and Kids event.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — On Saturday afternoon, you may have heard sirens and seen flashing lights as many officers and firefighters made their way around town. Fortunately, it was no emergency, but a time of giving back.
Local first responders held their annual Shop With A Cop event. Several families were selected to receive gifts for Christmas.
FOP Charity Board Cops and Kids Representative, Amanda Leugers, weighed in on the event.
“We usually get to shop, but after COVID things have changed a little bit this year. We will be continuing the tradition of dropping the gifts off at the chosen children’s houses,” said Leugers. “We have organizations representing the entire county. We have the Sheriff’s department, Perry, Shawnee, Delphos, Spencerville, Elida and American Township.”
Each department delivered gifts in its jurisdiction.
“Cops and Kids shopping trip was an annual tradition we started years ago,” added Leugers. “We choose children that have had a trauma in their life or maybe just need a positive impact for Christmas or maybe the family needs support for Christmas. We have continued this tradition and will continue this tradition for as long we get the support.”
Leugers said the children are so excited each year and continue to talk about it years later.
The annual tradition leaves an impact that lasts a lifetime.
The Bovee family shared how grateful they were to receive gifts this time of year. Unexpected hardship left the family wondering if they would have presents for their children. The Bovee’s began to cry when they received the phone call that they were selected.
“Originally we were homeless. We ended up in an emergency situation where we have to move in with family in Findlay,” said Nina Bovee. “This gives us a Christmas because we were looking at basically not having one.”
The blessing continued as firefighters and officers traveled delivering gifts alongside Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
“They get so excited to see us in a positive different light that they may not see us in,” added Leugers. “It is also an exciting experience to have the fire truck pull up and have Mr. and Mrs. Claus get out of the firetruck. My favorite part is watching all the organizations in Allen County come together so every child can get a Christmas.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
