Lookout Mountain Lodge held its annual "Cops and Kids" Christmas event benefiting Dade County underprivileged children at the Tiftonia Walmart on Saturday, December 19th.                                                                                      

Working with members of Dade County's Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS), officers each year identify needy children and accompany them on a shopping trip to give them a positive experience with law enforcement. To fund the event, the Lookout Mountain Lodge holds fundraisers and receives additional support from Walmart store manager Caesar Avalos.

"Without the support of area citizens and Walmart, this program would be greatly reduced," said Georgia FOP State President Carlton Stallings. "This is a team effort by the FOP, DFACS and Walmart to make Christmas a little brighter for children who would have little or nothing during the holidays."

Officers participating this year were: Danny Blevins, Georgia State Patrol; Christy Prince and Matt Cole, Dade County Sheriff's Department; and Ted Rumley and Shawn Chappa, Trenton Police Department. Stacey Taylor of the Dade County District Attorney's Office provided additional assistance.

Statewide, the FOP provides holiday gifts to more than 500 children.