The Fairlawn Christmas with a Cop program was created to help families who may need a little assistance in helping to brighten their holiday season.
During prior years (Pre-COVID) the children participating in this holiday event were picked up at their residence by a police officer and driven in a cruiser to the Fairlawn Community Center. Once there, children and police officers from all over Summit County enjoyed breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus before receiving a $110 gift card. When everyone was finished eating, the children were escorted, in parade fashion, to the Fairlawn Wal-Mart where they used their gift cards to purchase items from their Christmas wish list. The money for the gift cards is raised by local law enforcement officers, dispatchers and civilian employees who begin selling raffle tickets in October of each year. This event, as well as our summer event “Carnival with a Cop,” is funded by corporate sponsors and fundraisers that officers participate in throughout the year to raise money.
Unfortunately, this year the event will be much different than in the past, but still an awesome experience! The children selected to participate will send their Christmas wish list to the “Officer Elves,” who will shop for the gifts and wrap them. On December 5, 2020, a parade of police cars will travel to the homes of the participants and officers will deliver the gifts to their front door. Parents will be notified in advance of an approximate time to expect the delivery so they may stay inside and watch from a window! Who knows, we may even have a jolly guest in a red suit join us for the event!
Please contact Officer Gayle Ames at amesg@fairlawn.us with any questions regarding this program.