Once again the Conyers Police Department will help spread joy and new toys to those in need this year/.

Teaming up with the Conyers Wal-Mart, the CPD will be participating in "Shop with a Cop" to help families experiencing financial hardships this holiday season at 8 a.m. on Dec. 17.

Children participating in the program are recommended by police department members, city of Conyers employees, school system employees, social agencies and family shelters. The criteria for a child to participate is that they should be a resident of Rockdale County between the ages of 3 and 13, have a social or economic need, have not participated in the Shop with a Cop program in the past and are not currently receiving support for Christmas through another charitable program.

"This is the fourth year the Conyers Police Department has participated in Shop with a Cop," Chief of Police Gene Wilson said. "The Conyers Wal-Mart store is an excellent partner to assist the Conyers Police in spearheading this effort. Officers interact with children who may not have had a positive encounter with law enforcement up until now. The partnership between CPD and Wal-Mart makes sure that the children are afforded a more positive holiday experience."

Other "Shop with a Cop" sponsors this year include Value Village, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald's, Bell's Grocery, Honda of Conyers, QuikTrip and Mellow Mushroom.

Last year's "Shop with a Cop" program allowed 97 children to shop and this year's goal is to help approximately 110 children to shop

For more information on volunteering or donating to the Shop with a Cop program, contact the Shop with a Cop hotline at 770-483-5780 or send an email to shopwithacopconyers@yahoo.com.