The Lehigh University Police Department took part in its annual Shop with a Cop program, which pairs local schoolchildren with officers and their families to enjoy a shopping excursion to a local Walmart.

This year, the 12th annual event helped more than 30 children, who were joined by 20 officers and their family members to shop for gifts for themselves, siblings and parents. The families were selected by local schools and clergy based on need. 

The Shop with a Cop event joins several other programs organized by members of the Lehigh community, such as the C.O.A.C.H. program’s Adopt-a-Family event. A winter coat drive held by Lehigh’s Office of International Affairs also offered winter clothing to more than 50 students who came to Lehigh from warmer climates. The remainders were donated to Community Clothing Closet at Broughal Middle School.

In addition, Lehigh’s Community Service Office held its annual Holiday Hope chest program.  On #GivingTuesday, the CSO distributed 100 Holiday Hope Chests to the South Bethlehem children in Homework Clubs. For more information on that program, please visit the office’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LU.Service