Interactions between residents and law enforcement aren’t always a positive experience, but, for years, Hancock County’s sheriff’s deputies have rallied each holiday season to showcase the better parts of those relationships.

For almost 40 years, the Hancock County Deputy Sheriffs Association has organized a Shop With A Cop campaign, reaching out to the community for support in providing a brighter holiday for some of our residents who might otherwise not have such a merry Christmas.

That tradition continues this year, let by Deputy Chance Weyand and Sgt. Hugh Tate.

Donations are currently being accepted to fund this year’s campaign, with contributions asked to be mailed to: Shop With A Cop, P.O. Box 210, New Cumberland, WV 26047. Donations may be made by check or money order.

For those hoping to to receive some support through the program, applications currently are available at each of Hancock County’s libraries and 7-Eleven stores. Interviews will be scheduled with applicants in the coming weeks to make certain everyone applying meets eligibility requirements.

The actual Shop With A Cop day has been set for Dec. 14, and, for the second year, those children receiving gifts will be required to participate.

Organizers also are working to get more area law enforcement involved.

These are both great decisions in the effort to keep Shop With A Cop going for the years ahead as it helps to showcase the possible positive interactions between local law enforcement and everyday people.

Shop With A Cop has given a boost to thousands of children over the years, both locally and across the country.

We thank those involved in this worthwhile program as they strive to provide some holiday cheer for many of our youth.