‘Shop with a Cop’ and make a child smile this holiday season. (You will love this.)

Stephenville Police Chief Dan Harris took Santa for a spin during last year's Shop with a Cop event.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

Erath County law enforcement agencies are wasting no time getting into the holiday spirit.

The agencies are working together to raise money for the third annual “Shop with a Cop” program, aimed at giving local at-risk youth a merry Christmas.

“We hope to support 50 kids this year, which is the most we have ever done,” Stephenville Police Chief Dan Harris told Beneath the Surface News.

The fun will start bright and early on Thursday, Dec. 22, when kids will be treated to breakfast with a cop at The Purple Goat. They will then head to Walmart (with lights and sirens) for a Christmas shopping spree.

“Each child will receive $250 to purchase clothes, shoes and a toy from WalMart, which has been a phenomenal supporter and made another big donation to us this year,” Chief Harris said.

You can make a donation to Shop with a Cop in any amount at First Financial Bank, Texas Department of Public Safety, Stephenville Police Department, Dublin Police Department and Erath County Sheriff’s Office.

“I have over $2,000 in checks sitting on my desk right now from donations we have received just this week,” Chief Harris said. “They just keep coming in and I have no doubt we will reach our goal.”