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• Overview
• Shop with a Cop
• Student of the Month
• PAL Day on the Farm
• Outdoor Adventure Day
• Adopt-a-Family
• Scholarships
• Support for Athletics
• Bingo
• Young Artists Showcase

Shop with a Cop

Shop with a Cop was developed to help make the holidays brighter for disadvantaged youngsters in Baltimore County. It is made possible by the cooperation of the Baltimore County Police Department and Optimist Clubs in the north county area. The Timonium Optimist Club was the first to participate and still takes the lead in coordinating the event and supervising the all-important raising of funds. Donations are sought from businesses, organizations and individuals. 

Key corporate sponsors are the Hunt Valley Wal-Mart and Outback Steak House, which contribute financially and provide volunteer workers on shopping day. Wal-Mart is the site of the shopping expedition. Outback Steak House provides a free lunch for kids, police officers and volunteers afterwards. Optimist volunteers greet the police and children outside the store and help inside to make their experience run smoothly.

There is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to help with Shop with a Cop!

This year’s event: Sat., Dec. 12, 2009

Last year’s event: Sat., Dec. 13, 2008*

1. Number of children: 104
2. Amount raised: in excess of $10,000

How to Contribute:

The Optimists need to raise in excess of
$10,000 each year to support this program

• Make your check payable to Timonium Optimist Foundation
• Designate it for “Shop with a Cop” in the memo field.
• Mail it to:
  Timonium Optimist Foundation
  P.O. Box 262
  Timonium, MD 21094
  (Donations are tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor.)

*A note about SWAC 2008:
We provided the opportunity for 103 youngsters to pair off with a policeman and shop at the brand new Hunt Valley Wal-Mart Supercenter on Sat. morning, Dec. 13. Each child was allotted $110. As usual, they had a memorable time—from the lights-and-sirens parade up I-83 through the post-shopping lunch provided by Outback Steak House. Most of the children bought presents for family members as well as themselves. In fact, some had to be persuaded to include a gift of their own.  The event not only brightened the holidays for the children and their families (not to mention the volunteers) but also built rapport between the youngsters and police officers.

A wrapping station near the check-out area at Wal-Mart was staffed by volunteers from Eastern Tech High School. Band member volunteers from Dulaney High School once again added to the festive atmosphere by providing music. Santa and Mrs. Santa were on hand to greet everyone. The kids received gift backpacks and tossing toys from Outback, where a group post-lunch photo wrapped up the day.