VAN BUREN -- With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, police officers and youth in several River Valley communities are looking ahead to the annual Shop with a Cop programs.

Fundraising continues in Crawford and Franklin counties.

The Van Buren Police Department Fraternal Order of Police leads the effort in their city.

"The children are selected through a collaborative effort with the counselors in the Van Buren School District," said School Resource Officer Zachary Myers of the Fraternal Order of Police. "Our selections are based upon needs presented by these students throughout the school year.

"We work directly with the school counselors who have a deep understanding of these children's home life," he said.

Through this program, children selected based on need go on a Christmas sh

See Full Page