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DENTON – For the third consecutive year, deputies with the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office have been making Christmas a little brighter for county kids.
No Shave November is the fundraiser that provides the funds for Shop with a Cop in mid-December. “Every whisker grown helps make a difference in our community,” the CCSO Facebook page states. Members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 118 sponsor Shop with a Cop (SWAC).
“Being able to make Christmas brighter for any child who is less fortunate is always something that we strive to do, not only at the Sheriff's Office, but in the community as the FOP,” Sheriff Donald Baker said.
More than half of the county’s deputies are donating to participate, as well as raising money for Shop with a Cop through their No Shave November competition. While the fundraising isn’t limited to men, the beard-raising is a men-only competition for the month of November; the whiskers get shaved Dec. 1. The top fundraiser will win an extra day off.
Last year, the lodge raised $14,250. Sgt. Amber Hafer of the Sheriff’s Office said every dollar goes towards the children’s shopping experience.
About 30 elementary school students, nominated and chosen by their guidance counselors, will participate in this year’s Shop with a Cop event in mid-December at Walmart in Denton.
It’s not only the shopping experience – kids typically choose gifts for family members as well as for themselves – it’s also the thrill of riding in a cruiser with a deputy.
Law enforcement officers will form a loud and bright caravan as the kids flash lights and sound sirens on their way to North Caroline High School for the wrapping party.
“They love to sit there and play with the lights and get on a loud speaker,” said Sgt. Amber Hafer, who coordinates the fundraiser and day’s events. “Some of the deputies will turn on Christmas music and let them play on the on the radio while we're waiting for everybody to come out. It just gives a little bit of one-on-one time for kids who might not have such a positive experience with law enforcement.”
Baker called the caravan a “moving experience.” Hafer heard one Walmart employee describe SWAC as her favorite day of the year, and she asks to be scheduled that day. Santa Claus and the Grinch also visit Walmart and the high school to pose for photos with the kids.
Baker said he appreciates the partnership with the Caroline County Public Schools Board of Education.
The team of CCPS Superintendent Dr. Derek Simmons and the school board “is absolutely a great partner,” Baker said.
At North Caroline, high school students set up the wrapping party in the cafeteria, help kids wrap presents and supervise them, and serve donuts donated by Dunkin and pizza by Dominos.
“The students did a great job of that last year, and then they all helped me break it down,” Hafer said. Students who assist Hafer are eligible for service learning hours. Also helping will be other first responders, members of the Maryland State Police Explorers program and NCHS basketball players.
Each child receives a stocking with fun goodies, a McDonalds coupon and a dental hygiene kit donated by Choptank Community Health.
Baker said he is “extremely proud of the deputies who take part and help their community,” as well as Hafer and Chief Deputy Capt. Rodney Helmer, who “have done an especially great job of that.”
All that deputies do, from whisker-growing to Christmas shopping, “is to draw attention to the fact that we have kids in need in the county and that we are here to help in whatever way we can,” Baker said. “And giving back to the children during Christmas time is especially special for us, because we definitely see kids at their worst, and it is always nice to see kids at their best.”
Those who wish to support No Shave November can visit the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page to view participants. Donations can be made through Venmo @Caroline-FOP, or checks can be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office or mailed to P.O. Box 254, Denton, MD 21629, to the attention of Sgt. Hafer. In the memo line, write SWAC and the competing deputy’s name.
