This year marks the 5th anniversary for the local Cops, Kids and Christmas program. Eleven families were selected to participate in the event.

The selected kids, ranging in age from 6-15, were dropped off at the Police Department by their family members. They were then assigned to a police officer. From the Police Department, the kids got to ride in the patrol car to Wal-Mart where the cops and kids were met by the awaiting Walmart associates.

The cops, kids and associates had a budget in which the child could pick out gifts for themselves and for their family members. The kids had fun selecting many different things from clothing to toys.

When they were done, everyone went to the lounge and the officers and associates helped the kids wrap their gifts and enjoyed snacks. Not only were police officers from the Altus Police Department involved, but Animal Control officers, Campus Police officers, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies also came out to help.

The Altus Police Department also has a program for senior citizens called “Cops That Care.” A few Senior Citizens that live alone and on a fixed budget, are selected. Officers personally shopped for them and picked out gifts that the seniors may need to make their Christmas holiday a little easier. The gifts were wrapped by the officers and volunteers, then personally delivered to the residence.

If it weren’t for the generous donations of the business owners and citizens of Altus, this program would not be able to continue. The Altus Police Department would like to send out thanks for the help and continued support.

If you would like to donate directly to the Altus Police Department, please contact Capt. Mary Zepeda at 482-4121. One hundred percent of the donations made directly to the Police Department will go to the funding of these two programs.

Altus Times photos by Damon McGuire