The Conyers Police Department is participating in Shop with a Cop in which police officers accompany children from families experiencing financial hardships to the Conyers Wal-Mart to shop for Christmas gifts at 8 a.m. on Dec. 18.

Children participating in the program are recommended by police department members, city of Conyers employees, school system employees, social agencies and family shelters.

Participating children are Rockdale County residents between 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 third year the Conyers Police Department has participated in Shop with a Cop,” said CPD Chief Gene Wilson. “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.”

Last year’s Shop with a Cop program allowed 56 children to shop and this year’s goal is to allo