ST. CROIX -- The Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections will host fundraisers here in support of its annual ‘Shop-With-A-Cop’ initiative, according to a press release BOC issued on Thursday.
The fundraisers include two softball games, which took place at the Whim Ball Park on Thursday night. The games featured BOC, WAPA and the VI Fire Service teams. On Saturday, there will be a money drive in front of the Frederiksted K-Mart, according to the release, adding that BOC will also host a food sale on Friday, December 11, with further details to be provided nearer to the event.
Shop-With-A-Cop is a nationwide program that pairs law enforcement personnel with children during the holidays for a one-day shopping experience. This is the Bureau’s third year helping underprivileged children purchase Christmas presents for their families, according to the release. Other collaborating agencies include the VI National Guard, VI Police Department, VI Fire Service and the University of the Virgin Islands’ Golden Key Honor Society.
“The program’s goal is $10,000 and still has a ways to go,” said BOC's Public Information Officer Juel Anderson. “This is primarily an employee driven-initiative from beginning to end, an all the assistance that can be garnered from the wider community to ensure its success for the children is welcomed and always appreciated.”
Approximately 100 students from selected district elementary schools will benefit from this year’s shopping spree, which is slated to take place at Kmart West on St. Croix from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 20, 2015.
