KSU helps kick off annual Shop with a Cop
FRANKFORT — Kentucky State University (KSU) students, faculty, and staff gathered at 11 a.m. on December 10 at Walmart to participate in the annual Shop with a Cop in Frankfort. The event fosters positive relationships between children and officers. Children are selected to shop at one of the local stores to purchase gifts for members of their immediate family. Each child was given between $50 and $100 depending on the size of the household.
This year, KSU’s Behavioral and Social Sciences Club collaborated with the Sergeant Jon Fields of the Frankfort Police Department.
“I am so happy that Kentucky State was able to help us this year,” Fields said. “Every year, we always end up with more kids than officers. But this year, we are truly happy to have enough help.”
The Frankfort Police Department had a list of 108 children and 90 families. More than 30 students from the University participated in the event, including band members from the Mighty Marching Thorobreds.
“I think this was an awesome opportunity,” said freshman band member Tairah Rasheed. “I’m happy that I came out to do this because it makes you appreciate what you have so much more.”
Each family was paired with one or two KSU students to help pick out Christmas gifts. Faculty members Dr. Candice Love Jackson, Provost and Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Shannon Brogan, Associate Professor of Speech Communication, and Dr. Cindy Glass, Assistant Professor Sociology Coordinator, provided moral support during the event.
Dr. Brogan also encouraged students to continue to pay it forward in their communities.
“I believe community service is always great,” she said. “It’s great to always have the students give back to the community and to always remember to be grateful for something.”
Behavioral and Social Sciences Club advisor Dr. Cindy Glass said she was proud of the students who devoted their time helping the families during the Shop with a Cop event.
“I look forward to doing this event again next year,” she said. “I believe the students had a really good time.”
— Alea Cardenas