Christmas With a Cop raises enough for all kids in transition

Carson City children benefited from an archery shoot this week when a local business donated hundreds of dollars in gifts and money to the Christmas With a Cop shopping trip.

Jim Davis, vice president of Clearcreek Bowmen Archery, donated toys and cash to the sheriff's department, said Detective Dena Lacy.

He originally ran a toy drive for another program, but when Davis and the organization were unable to coordinate a pick-up, he decided the sheriff's department could ensure the gifts stayed with local children, Lacy said.

She said the cash will go toward the Carson City School District's Kids in Transition Christmas shopping program. The toys will be donated to the Division of Child and Family Services for use at their Volunteers of America shelter.

Christmas With a Cop is organized by the Kids In Transition program and funded by grant money and donations. Children in need are given a shopping trip to Wal-Mart with a police officer or other volunteer as an escort.

According to Jeanette Ardinger, transition coordinator, 110 Carson City children will go shopping Thursday thanks to donations from the community.

"I got such a huge outpouring of support. I love living here," she said.

Harley-Davidson matched the grant money of $1,000, and the rest of the $6,000 came in the mail.

"Everybody just jumped right in - businesses, churches, private parties - everyone," Ardinger said.