KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Clarendon Police has received a $2-million donation towards the staging of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) annual Shop with a Cop initiative, which brings holiday cheer to children from challenging circumstances or who have experienced trauma.

The funds, contributed by Juici Patties staff and Continental Baking Company, were handed over during a ceremony on Monday, December 15, at the Verandah, located at the Juici Empowerment Park in Clarendon.

Shop With a Cop allows children the opportunity to shop for toys and gifts alongside members of the police force, fostering positive police-citizen relationships and building community trust.

Custos of Clarendon and Juici Patties director Edith Chin, in her address, said that Shop With a Cop “is a simple but meaningful programme that brings children and police officers together in a positive way during the holiday season”.

She said that the contribution will enable the programme to expand its reach in the parish from 50 children in 2024 to 200 this year.

For his part, director at Continental Baking Company, Craig Hendrickson, whose company contributed $1 million to the programme, said it is “awesome to be a part of something that really helps kids, especially at this time right after Melissa. It is for those who are in need, it is something that is really special, and they will really appreciate it”.

Head of operations for the Clarendon Police, superintendent Anton-Gur Cardoza, said that last year the programme brought a “lot of joy” to the beneficiary children.

He noted that instead of purchasing toys and other gifts “some of these children opted to go to the supermarket, some opted to get some things that we thought were very basic, but that was something that they really wanted for their Christmas to enjoy”.

“What was most touching to me last year was a child who opted just to get a pair of school shoes and, of course, we were more than happy to facilitate that, plus gave him some other things from the other stakeholders. This is a very good initiative. We are very pleased and happy to partner with Juici and other partners,” the Superintendent said.

Several of Juici staff members said they gladly supported the programme to bring happiness to children in need.

“It is my responsibility to give back and support my company in this initiative because it is something that I am passionate about,” stated Executive Assistant, Shelly-Ann Ford.

Management consultant, Daniel Lowe, noted that it is a great initiative.

“It is a chance to spread a little love and light at this time of year”, he said, while Marketing Manager, Kellon Williams, shared that “it is just nice to give the kids a little treat outside of the essentials, and I am very happy to be involved”.

First implemented by the St Catherine South Police, Shop With a Cop has been adopted by other police divisions, becoming a popular JCF Christmas initiative.

—JIS