The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 16 surprised local school districts with a $7,500 donation as part of their Shop with a Cop back-to-school event to help provide school supplies and other items such as shoes or clothing to students who need it.
The funds were divided among Owensboro and Daviess County public schools as well as Owensboro Catholic Schools.
Brad Youngman, Second Vice President, said the FOP typically actually takes children shopping, but this year they decided to donate funds raised throughout the year directly to the schools’ family resource coordinators.
“We love interacting with the kids, but this year we wanted to make sure everyone stays safe while still helping the kids,” Youngman said. “The coordinators at the school know exactly what their students’ needs are, so we know they’ll put the money to good use.”
The FOP typically holds two Shop with a Cop events twice each year, with the one at Christmastime being their biggest effort to give back to the community annually.
“We just want to do what we can to help out,” Youngman said. “It’s an honor for each of us to serve our community, and we want to both foster these relationships and help make sure the children are taken care of.
