🎶 MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT! 🎶

On Saturday, December 4th, 2021, officers from the Manheim Township Police Department, along with other police agencies in Lancaster County, participated in the 10th annual Shop With a Cop event with the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster City.  The Shop With a Cop program's mission is to reach children (ages 4 through 15) who have been impacted by the criminal justice system, primarily through the incarceration of a loved one, or by personal involvement, to facilitate positive relationships with law enforcement officers, by fostering interaction in faith-filled, joyful Christmas shopping celebration.

Officers responded to the church at 8:30 a.m. and were assigned to families by the church.  The officers and their families then boarded school buses, which transported them from the church to an area Walmart to do Christmas shopping.  Each child was allotted $100.00 in gift cards to use to purchase gifts for themselves and / or their family members.  The officers assisted the children with their purchases, provided gift ideas, and tracked their total spending.  Everyone then re-boarded the school buses, and were transported back to the church, where volunteers wrapped the gifts for the children.  While the gifts were being wrapped, the officers and families were treated to a free Chik-Fil-A meal at the church.  At the end, the children left the event with fully wrapped gifts they could give to their families on Christmas.

All of the participants had a wonderful experience, and the officers who participated are looking forward to doing it again next year!

MTPD personnel who participated:
- Officer Joshua Gay
- Officer Wesley Hiller
- Officer Troy Hikins
- Officer Natalie Littlehale
- Lieutenant Michael Piacentino
- Officer Kelly Spence

MEDIA POST CONTACT: Lieutenant Michael T. Piacentino, W: 717-569-6401 Ext: 1583, C: 717-340-2130, piacentinom@manheimtownshippolice.org