The high school’s Executive Student Council voted to help fund the program, which aids families in need during the holidays.
By Gary Weckselblatt
Members of the Quakertown Community High School Executive Student Council on Monday presented a check for $750 to Quakertown Police for its Shop With A Cop program.
“We recognize there are people in need in our area and we want to help them while at the same time supporting our police,” said Katie Catalano, an 11th grader.
Angela Calvanese described Shop With A Cop as a “wonderful” cause and believed it’s a “great idea” to support people in the community during the holiday season.
The Council’s co-presidents are Emma Donnelly and Maddie LaBonge. Council members include Avadar Brownlee, Angela Calvanese, Katie Catalano, Richa Chawla, Katelyn Derstine, Kendal Detwiler, Alex Diaz, Madison Jeffery, William Lee, Riley Mann, Travis Minger, and Siya Patel. Michael Sandler is the Council’s advisor.
“I’m extremely proud of the leadership our students are showing here with their thoughtfulness for others going through difficult times,” Principal Mattias van ‘t Hoenderdaal said. “We have a very strong partnership with our local police and want to thank Bob Lee, our School Resource Officer, for his tireless efforts on behalf of this important program.”
Officer Lee said he appreciated the students’ kindness and knows it will bring smiles to youngsters and their families during the holidays. The 11th annual Shop With A Cop is scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 9 at the Walmart in Richland Township.
To be eligible, a child must be between 5 to 13 years of age and have a family member faced with a life challenge (loss of job, homelessness, military deployment, economic shortcoming or other hardship). Applicants must be from the Quakertown Community School District or referred to the program by a partnering Police Department.
To participate in the program, eligible families must submit their application at Borough Hall (35 N. Third Street, Quakertown, and made to the attention of Ashton Miller). The application deadline is Friday, November 19th. Please note, incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure the application is complete.
Applications will be reviewed by the Shop with a Cop Committee. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application. Required documents include a completed two-page application, signed release waiver, and a wish list for each child in the household ages 5-13. Click here for those documents. (Spanish version). Copies of the application and wish lists can also be found at Quakertown.org/SWAC.
Last year, each child has the opportunity to shop with an officer and purchase $150 in gifts for themselves and/or their family members. Parents also receive $100 store credit to purchase food, household items, or gifts for their kids. Children are also given a school backpack of essential items, and dinner the night of the event. In 2020, 180 children were hosted, and more than $47,500 was provided to families.
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].