The Conyers Police Department is partnering with the Conyers Wal-Mart to help make this Christmas brighter for local children.

The Conyers Police Department is participating in the 6th Annual Shop with a Cop in which law enforcement personnel accompany children from families experiencing financial hardships to the Conyers Wal-Mart to shop for Christmas gifts.

Children participating in the program are nominated by police department members, city of Conyers employees, school system employees, and social agencies. The criteria for a child to participate is that they should be a resident of Rockdale County and be in kindergarten through fifth grade, 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.

"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 the CPD and Wal-Mart makes sure that the children are afforded a more positive holiday experience," said Chief Gene Wilson.

Last year's Shop with a Cop program allowed 120 children to shop. Since the program began, over 400 children have benefitted from Shop with a Cop.

Shop with a Cop will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Conyers Wal-Mart.

Cash and check donations (made payable to City of Conyers or Shop with a Cop) and Wal-Mart gift cards are being accepted at the Conyers Police Department located at 1194 Scott Street. Receipts will be issued upon request.

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.