Dec. 5 'Tip a Cop' Fundraiser to Benefit 'Shop with a Cop'

School Resource Officers (SROs) from the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office want to help families to feel the warmth of generosity this holiday season.

By: Benjamin Rickert, BCS Communications

Information Flyers: 'Tip a Cop' and 'Shop with a Cop' (PDF)

School Resource Officers (SROs) from the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office want to help families to feel the warmth of generosity this holiday season. That's why they are holding a 'Tip a Cop' fundraiser on Dec. 5 to support 'Shop with a Cop'!

The Dec. 20 'Shop with a Cop' event will give up to 25 lucky students the opportunity to buy holiday gifts for their families at no cost, each accompanied by two officers to help with their shopping! Afterwards, students and officers will work together to wrap the presents at the Buncombe County Schools Board of Education in Asheville. Finally, each student will be joined by their family for a holiday meal!

SRO Wes Anders speaks with a student.

"We can show them that the season isn’t all about what we get, but what we are able to give, and what has been given for us," said Deputy Melanie Robbins.

To provide a family meal, wrapping supplies, and a gift card for each student, officers are inviting the community to join them on the evening of Dec. 5 for a 'Tip a Cop' fundraiser, hosted by Asheville's Texas Roadhouse at 230 Hendersonville Road. At the 'Tip a Cop' event, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the community program and provide individual contributions. All proceeds from Dec. 5 will benefit the Dec. 20 'Shop with a Cop' effort.

The SROs are very excited to surprise the chosen students, and serve the families in their school communities.

SRO Jared Porshia

"I am proud to work for an agency which can facilitate this project and overjoyed to see the excitement the officers involved have shown planning this event," said Deputy Jared Porshia.

"This is an opportunity for these children and families to have a positive, fun experience and learn that we are here to help any way we can," said Deputy Sharon Archer.

"To help these kids focus on other people and the joy that it brings when we put someone else before ourselves - while still being able to share in that 'magic' of the holidays through the eyes of the children - is going to make all of our holidays a little brighter," Robbins said.

More information (Excerpt from the Facebook Event):
"Shop with a Cop is a program that our School Resource Officers are excited to initiate based on the past success seen nationwide in strengthening community relationships as well as providing for families during Christmas.

Elementary school SROs have selected children working with Buncombe County school-based social workers in the hope of assisting a family during Christmas.

Selected students will be issued a Walmart gift card when they arrive by bus on Dec. 20th with a fixed dollar amount on the card. This dollar amount will be issued based on the fundraising initiatives of the SRO division. The selected students will have the opportunity to buy Christmas presents for themselves and present for their families with the guidance of two shoppers (officers).

Selected students who participate in this event will (1) take part in the Shop with a Cop event, and (2) will have a Christmas Wrapping party at Buncombe County School Board of Education. During the wrapping party, a Christmas meal will be provided for students and their families."

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Buncombe County Schools