By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
The San Benito Consolidated Independent School District [SBCISD] is holding its Shop with a Cop fundraiser.
Shop with a Cop strives to provide children in need with an unforgettable experience through a shopping spree. These kids are accompanied by an officer, who helps “build positive connections between law enforcement and the community, fostering lasting and constructive relationships,” according to the official SBCISD Facebook page.
This is the first year SBCISD is using the program to reach kids in need.
“We had seen it done in neighboring districts and in different states. This is an initiative that we wanted to take up for our students,” said Nancy Casas, Director of the district’s after-school program.
The event is a team effort between the school district’s police force and the City of San Benito’s own police force.
The shopping spree is slated for Dec. 17. The fundraising goal is $15,500. If successful, about 150 students can have their own Christmas shopping experience. Currently, the district is prepared to serve 132 students.
“The main initiative for this is to help students in need. Students who had a bad experience with, or are scared of, police officers – We want them to be comfortable approaching a police officer. We also want to give them a bright Christmas… and to let them know that there are people out in the community and district that care for these students,” said Casas.
This event is made possible by generous donations. Those who wish to support the holiday efforts can earn recognition in ratio to their donations. A $100 student sponsor donation will receive a social media shout-out, and a $500 bronze donation will earn a full post thanking them for their efforts.
A silver donation is $1,000 and will have the sponsor’s logo featured on banners and promotional materials. They will receive a thank you group post as well. A gold sponsorship of $2,500 will earn the same benefits as the silver donations but will have a personal post thanking them for their support.
A diamond sponsorship for $5,000 will have the sponsor’s logo featured on the event shirt, banner, and other promotional material. They will also be invited to participate in the shopping experience with the children and earn a personal acknowledged post online.
For more information, call the SBCISD After School Program at (956) 361-6450.
“We encourage everyone to make a child smile this holiday season,” said Casas.
For more information, visit the district’s official Facebook page. Online donations can be made on the district’s After School Program website.