Last Saturday, the McKinney Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 107 held its inaugural back-to-school “Shop with a Cop” event. The event is a result of a fundraiser aimed at supplying clothing and school supplies to McKinney children in need.

Through coordination with McKinney ISD, the Collin County Child Advocacy Center and local churches the organization was able to assist families in need of special assistance.

Daniel Malenfant, president for the McKinney Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 107, said funds raised by local businesses were able to provide much-needed school supplies and clothing for several children in need.

“The children were able to walk around the store and shop with a uniformed McKinney police officer,” he said. “This was a wonderful opportunity for our members to give back to the community and put a few smiles on some kids faces. The event was an overwhelming success but would not have been if it wasn't for the support from our local businesses.”

Malenfant said McKinney’s Fraternal Order of Police is comprised of both active and retired McKinney police officers and the program aims to foster a relationship between the officers and the community they serve.

The organization holds two "Shop with a Cop" events—one in the fall to help students preparing to go back to school and the other for the Christmas holiday. This year, Malenfant said the organization is combining their efforts into one large fundraising event, which will kick off soon through telephone solicitation of local businesses. Donations given during this time will be used to support the Christmas 2015 and Back to School 2016 events.

The FOP will host a booth during this year’s Oktoberfest to raise support for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in coordination with Children’s Medical Center.

For those interested in donating, email [email protected].