Heroes & Helpers: Holiday Shop with a Cop

Heroes & Helpers: Holiday Shop with a Cop

From Jack Papaleonti

"Heroes & Helpers: Holiday Shop with a Cop" strives to build a bridge of trust between at-risk children and our Annapolis first responders.

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Recent Updates

Update #8

10 months ago

Sending a very special "thank you" to Brooke Kooken Silard and Santa Kevin Silard for all their help with "Shop with a Cop." It would not be the same without you! And, that is Momma Brenda on the left!

More Info

Heroes & Helpers: Holiday Shop with a Cop is a cherished annual event supported by the Annapolis Optimist Club and the Annapolis Police Foundation.

Watching the children joyously interact with members of our first responder community in a positive setting goes a long way to foster respect, trust and understanding.

Here is how the day unfolds....

On the morning of December 2, 2023, a member of our first responder community picks up a child from his/her home in a marked patrol car or fire truck. Together, they drive to Target for the first leg of their adventure. Each child is provided with a  gift card to shop for loved ones.  

After the stop at Target, the officer and child head to Outback Steakhouse in Annapolis. With the help of our cherished volunteers, the children wrap their newly purchased gifts and write cards for family members.   

We end the day with lunch provided by Outback Steakhouse, a group photo and goodbyes (the hardest part).  It is really touching to see such a generous outpouring of support for needy children and the selfless involvement of our first responder community.  

Click the DONATE NOW button to spread some much-needed holiday cheer! 

And a special THANK YOU to our corporate sponsors:

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Jack Papaleonti posted a new update:
10 months ago

Update #10

Sending a very special "thank you" to Brooke Kooken Silard and Santa Kevin Silard for all their help with "Shop with a Cop." It would not be the same without you! And, that is Momma Brenda on the left!

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Jack Papaleonti posted a new update:
10 months ago

Update #8

We just had a fantastic morning! Thank you to all of our Heroes & Helpers: Holiday Shop with a Cop sponsors, volunteers, supporters, first responders, friends, and of course, the kids! So many hours and so much love goes into this event. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts! ❤️

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Jack Papaleonti posted a new update:
10 months ago

Update #7

We owe a BIG debt of gratitude to all of you and to "Brandi Bradshaw Gets You Moving" whose generous donation helped us pass our 2023 Heroes & Helpers: Holiday Shop with a Cop goal of $8000! A new record!

This year we went over our limit of 50 kids (to 56) and their generous donation of $500 will guarantee an amazing holiday for 56 deserving kids! A great way to say "Thanks" is to call their company for your next move!

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Jack Papaleonti posted a new update:
10 months ago

Update #6

We would like to thank the Severna Park Elks Club for their generous donation to our "Heroes and Helpers" campaign. We are so grateful for all that you do to help our community!

Since its inception, the Elks have contributed more than $333 million dollars for charitable, welfare and patriotic programs. The Elks are second only to the U.S. Government in the amount of money it provides for scholarships each year.

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Jack Papaleonti posted a new update:
11 months ago

Update #4

Sending our sincere gratitude to MISSION BBQ for their generous donation of Koozie Packs with a Free Sandwich Card for the first responders! And....60 Coloring Sheets with Crayons and Tattoos with a Free Sandwich Card for the kids. Our Heroes & Helpers: Holiday Shop with a Cop campaign is so grateful for the amazing community support! We could not do it without you!

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Jack Papaleonti posted a new update:
11 months ago

Update #3

Sending a BIG THANK YOU to Glen Rotner and his family for their generous donation to our "2023 Heroes & Helpers: Holiday Shop with a Cop" campaign

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Jack Papaleonti posted a new update:
11 months ago

Update #2

Sending our sincere gratitude to Demetra Papaleonti Fytros and Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Drs. Tull, Behling, Decere & Bolton for their generous donation of toothpaste and toothbrushes for each of the kid's backpacks. Our Heroes & Helpers: Holiday Shop with a Cop campaign is so grateful for the amazing community support! We could not do it without you!

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Jack Papaleonti posted a new update:
11 months ago

Update #1

Sending our sincere gratitude to K&B True Value in Annapolis, Maryland for their generous donation of gloves for the kids and first responders who are taking part in our Heroes & Helpers: Holiday Shop with a Cop! We are so grateful for the amazing community support! We could not do it without you!

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