Students enrolled in the criminal justice program at the Arkansas Tech Career Center participated in the third annual “Shop with a Cadet” event Dec 8.
Students fundraised for the event, which supplied nine area children with $175 to purchase Christmas gifts for themselves as well as their family members. Each child was partnered with a criminal justice student and a law enforcement officer during the event.
At the conclusion of the shopping, the criminal justice students welcomed the children with their families back to ATCC for dinner, desserts and to meet with Santa Claus.
Criminal Justice instructor John Harris said, “This event was the largest in the three years we have done this. Each year it continues to grow with the help of the students and the community as a whole.
“A special thank you to Jennifer Thomas, ATCC Fiscal support annalist. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that deadlines are met, parents contacted and more. I’d also like to thank Cpl. Greg Williams, Atkins Police Department; Deputy John Frank, Yell County Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Kirk Turner, Pope County Sheriff’s Office; Cpl. Kevin Hobby, Russellville Police Department; Taco Villa; Pizza Hut; Deputy Kenny Smith, Johnson County Explorers Program; Cathy’s Flowers, and the numerous volunteers that helped organize and set up.”
