The holidays will be here before we know it, and the Valdosta Police Department (VPD) and the Valdosta Fire Department (VFD) have already started planning and collecting donations for their annualShop with a Cop and Shop with a Firefighter programs.

The purpose of these programs is to brighten the holiday season for Valdosta children and their families by providing selected youth with some holiday shopping money.

• The Shop with a Firefighter program will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m., at the Wal-Mart Supercenter located at 340 Norman Drive.
• The Shop with a Cop program will take place on Monday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m., at the Wal-Mart Supercenter located at 3274 Inner Perimeter Road.

These programs rely solely on monetary donations. Donations can be made payable to the City of Valdosta Shop with a Cop or the City of Valdosta Shop with a Firefighter and may be dropped off at either the Valdosta Police Department (500 N. Toombs Street) or the Valdosta Fire Department, Station #1 (106 S. Oak Street).

Children nominated for either program must live and attend school in the City of Valdosta and must be recommended by a police officer, firefighter, teacher or school principal.  While both programs focus on providing for youth with financial needs, the VFD’s program also seeks to identify and help Valdosta youth who are survivors of recent fire losses.

Contact VPD Officer Vernotis Williams at (229) 293-3099 or VFD Sgt. Chris Staples at (229) 333-1835 for more information or to donate.