(by Jael Pembrick, The Laurinburg Exchange, December 10, 2018)
LAURINBURG — The fourth annual Shop with a Cop initiative received a financial boost Monday, thanks to a local fraternity.
The Freemasons of Laurinburg Lodge 305 presented two checks in support of the local Shop with a Cop program at Lodge 305 Monday morning.
The money will go toward giving children in need a better Christmas. Law enforcement officers take the children to Walmart, where the child can choose their gifts for Christmas with the money allotted.
“There is nothing like seeing the smile on a kid’s face,” said Police Chief Darwin “Duke” Williams.
Williams added that Hurricane Florence affected the program because they normally raise money for the cause in October.
“In the past three years we always had a softball tournament and we would raise our own funds for it, but the hurricane kind of derailed us,” said Williams. “We understand that the need is growing and we will try to accommodate as many kids as we can.”
The program’s target is to serve 20 to 30 children each year.
He stated that small kids and teens may get up to $200 to get toys or electronics for the holidays.
Outgoing Lodge Master Michael Nobles presented the checks to Williams, Sgt. Van Horn and Scotland County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Lloyd Goins.
Goins said any money left over from their Shop With a Cop program goes to…
