The Kentucky State Police Professional Association is asking for donations for our 2018 Shop With a Trooper (SWAT) Program.
The Kentucky State Police Professional Association (KSPPA) is a statewide association made up of Kentucky State Police sworn and civilian personnel, both active and retired. Specifically, Chapter 1 of the KSPPA is comprised of those personnel who live and/or work in the following eleven counties: Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, Fulton, McCracken, Graves, Marshall, Calloway, Livingston, Lyon, and Trigg.
Each year, in the month of December, the KSPPA works with the Department of Community Based Services, Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinators, and other community partners (such as churches, spouse abuse centers, and other nonprofit organizations, etc.) to identify school-aged children in need. With the help of these community partners, the KSPPA spends between $125 and $150 on each child’s Christmas. Many times, the needs are so great that a large portion of the money goes towards necessities, such as clothing, with only a small amount left over for the more “fun” items to purchase. Thousands of children from our region have benefitted from this program over the years.
Captain Kyle Nall has been involved with the program for several years and says they have been very fortunate to receive enough funding from donors to take 100-plus children each year over the past several years.
Many of the children who are sponsored are chosen because it may be the only way they will be able to receive Christmas presents. This gives personnel from the Kentucky State Police, and many of the other local agencies who assist with the program, the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of these children. It creates bonds and relationships that, otherwise, might not ever be possible.
The event is a complete Christmas experience for the children that are chosen to benefit from this program. Captain Nall says that the children are all fed and get to see Santa and Mrs. Claus during the day of shopping. The families of the children are also each presented with a gift basket of non-perishable food items.
The KSPPA Chapter 1 SWAT Program is a 501(c)3, so all donations to the program are tax deductible. Additionally, they are 100% donation-based, meaning this is not a government assistance program. Without the help of local businesses, churches, and community members, none of this is possible.
If you would like to make a donation, you can do so by going to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KSPPAC1SWAT or by sending a check or money order to the following address:
Kentucky State Police Post 1
c/o KSPPA Chapter 1 SWAT
8366 US 45 N
Hickory, KY 42051
The check and/or money order should be made out to KSPPA Chapter 1 SWAT Program. Receipts for donations can be produced if it is requested for tax purposes.
If any family is in need of assistance with funding Christmas for their school-aged child(ren) this year, they can request help through the child(ren)’s Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinator. Contact information is available through the school they attend.
“This truly is one of the most worthy causes ever created. We find great joy in making a difference in the life of a child and forming the bonds that are formed through this program.” – Captain Kyle Nall