Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton and courtesy of Terry Stripling
The Walker County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 7 held its annual Cops & Kids event earlier this week, giving local children in need a Christmas experience they may not otherwise have.
FOP Lodge 7 Vice President Terry Stripling shared that the program is part of a national FOP initiative that Lodge 7 proudly takes part in each year. School resource officers and counselors from both Jasper City and Walker County schools identify students facing hardship and select two children from each school to participate. If the students have siblings also experiencing need, they are included as well.
This year, 22 children were paired with officers and taken to Walmart for a Christmas shopping trip, each receiving about $200 to spend however they wished. One mother told Stripling her son was used to buying only clearance or secondhand items. “It was unreal to him that he could just come in and buy anything he wanted,” Stripling says. Another child used the opportunity to purchase foods he enjoyed but rarely had at home.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, Stripling says the heart of the event lies in building trust. “Sometimes police officers are seen in a negative light by the public, but this promotes a positive relationship between officers and children,” he notes.
After shopping, families were welcomed back to the lodge for a meal. This year, Jim ’N Nick’s catered dinner for parents, guardians, and children.
Lodge 7’s community support extends year-round. The group assists officers facing emergencies like house fires or overwhelming medical bills and partners with Backyard Blessings to pack food bags for students in need.
Businesses and community members who want to help sustain the Cops & Kids program can donate at any time. “We’re a 501(c)(3), so we take donations throughout the year,” Stripling says. “A lady even came by while we were at Walmart and gave us $20 because she wanted to help these kids.”
Lodge 7’s leadership includes President Don Frazier, Vice President Terry Stripling, Secretary/Treasurer Chad Carlton, and Chaplain Jeff Sparks. WL
