By BECKY CRISSMAN
becky.crissman@cordeledispatch.com

CORDELE — The Cordele Police Department will be hosting their 2nd Annual “Shop with a Cop” event on December 18.
The event is part of the department’s continued effort to build better relationships between kids and law enforcement within the community. Detective Ketorie Sales is organizing the event, which pairs kids with cops and provides them with gift cards to shop for them or someone they love a gift for Christmas. Before shopping, they will be treated to a catered lunch at the Cordele Community Clubhouse.
“There is a lot of negativity surrounding citizens and law enforcement in other areas of the country,” said Sales. “We want the children in our community to know that we are here for them if they need us. We want them to know that we are not the bad guys.”
Sales said the event would not be a success without the generosity of the community and they are seeking the public’s help with this year’s event.
“Programs of this sort require funding which we are lacking being a small agency,” said Sales.  “All donations are greatly appreciated.”
A $100 donation will get your business, church, or organization name printed on the t-shirts that will be given to volunteers and sponsors. Children will receive a strap bag. A donation of $200 will get your name on the t-shirt along with media recognition. A donation of $300 or more will get your name on the t-shirt, media recognition, and name on a banner that will be displayed at Cordele City Hall.
For more information about this event please contact Detective Ketorie Sales at (229)276-2926 or (229)276-2952.