Warsaw Cpl. Jamie de la Fuente helps a local family shop during the annual Christmas with a Cop program. (Photo provided)

Over 76 children from Kosciusko County participated in the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #149 Christmas with a Cop program Saturday morning at the Warsaw Wal-Mart.

FOP members met with families at the local Wal-Mart to assist in providing clothing and presents for over 76 children.

Families were divided among various officers from throughout Kosciusko County and allowed to purchase children’s clothing as well as presents for this holiday season. Pak-A-Sack/Shell Food Mart’s at both Warsaw locations on Center Street and U.S. 30 were instrumental in assisting the FOP’s funding of this event.

Kosciusko County FOP President Chris McKeand lends a hand to a child during the annual Christmas with a Cop program. (Photo provided)

FOP President Chris McKeand stated, “It was great to see Pak-A-Sack/Shell as well as local citizens contribute to assist families dealing with the tough economic times during the holiday season. Due to the community’s efforts, we were able to double the amount of children that we able to help compared to last year.”

Departments that took part in the Christmas with a Cop program were Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Warsaw Police Department, Winona Lake Police Department, Syracuse Police Department, Milford Police Department, Mentone Police Department, Pierceton Police Department, Claypool Police Department and the Silver Lake Police Department.