Glenn O. Swing Elementary students and their families made holiday crafts with Covington police officers at the school’s annual “Crafts with Cops” event. Students and officers decorated cookies, made Christmas ornaments, and visited with Santa.
Third graders started the event three years ago as part of a service learning project as a way for students to give back to their community.
The event has grown in popularity every year. In 2015, one officer participated. Five officers came last year and this year, 20 officers engaged with students.
Lt. Col. Brian Steffen said that officers are not required to attend the event.
“They’re here because they want to be,” Steffen said. “This is where positive community relations start and the officers enjoy being with the kids and their families.”
Students and their parents made blankets for the police officers to keep in their cruisers and give to children in the time of need.
Proceeds from admission charges will be donated to the Covington Police Department’s “Sirens and Sleigh Bells” program.
On December 13, officers will take selected students from Covington Schools shopping. They also will visit Santa and enjoy a pizza party at the Center for Great Neighborhoods.
Crafts with Cops brought in $615.
