(From the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge 20 Foundation)

The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation will host its annual Cops & Kids Go Shopping event at 8 a.m. on Sunday, December 7 at the Findlay Village Meijer. Children referred through the local school systems will be paired with an FOP member or supporter and receive two hundred dollars to shop for Christmas gifts, essentials, and moments of joy.

Through a continued partnership with Coats for Christmas, every member of each participating child’s household will also receive warm winter gear. This added support ensures that families can head into the coldest months with comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.

Teresa White, Director of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation, shared why this program continues to be one of the most beloved events of the year.
“When a child walks through Meijer holding hands with an officer who is there solely to support them, something changes. They feel seen. They feel valued. They feel safe. This day gives them more than gifts. It gives them a memory that stays with them long after the holidays pass.”

Tyler Waldbauer, Secretary of the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 & Foundation, added,
“Our officers look forward to this morning every single year. Cops & Kids Go Shopping gives us the chance to connect with children in a joyful and meaningful way. It is a reminder of why we serve and why this community means so much to us.”

Community support for this event remains strong and continues to grow. Each year, volunteers, officers, donors, and school partners come together to lift children during a season that can be especially difficult for families facing financial strain.

The Fort Findlay FOP Lodge #20 Foundation thanks Meijer, Coats for Christmas, and the many supporters who make this magic possible.