Hiram – For more than five years, the Hiram Police Department has encouraged hot rod drivers to zip into their sleepy town on a hot summer day — while obeying the speed limit, of course — all for a good cause. And this weekend was no exception.
“It was a great day filled with family fun and community togetherness,” shared Hiram Police Chief Brian Gregory. “Thank you to everyone who brought out your fantastic cars, trucks and hot rods and thank you to our community for coming out to support our cause,” he marveled.
Chief Gregory noted that the event, which raised funds for the Department’s ‘Shop with a Cop’ program, totaled just over $1,200 for the day. Those funds will be used to provide less fortunate students in both Crestwood and J.A. Garfield schools with the opportunity to purchased Christmas gifts for themselves and their families this holiday season. Through the program, the kids attend a special Christmas shopping trip while assisted by local police officers.
The Shop with a Cop program provides Christmas for families that otherwise wouldn’t have one due to financial hardships and strains. The program survives solely on donations and fundraisers. “We are humbled by the response not only from community members who attended, but from also from the local businesses that donated door prizes for the event,” he shared.
The event’s main sponsor was Kepich Ford in Garrettsville; Garrettsville Mayor Rick Patrick emceed the event and Jason Adkins served as DJ. Other sponsors who helped make the day successful included Maggies Doughnuts, Hiram College, Sassy Dogs, Gionino’s Pizza, Protec Autobody, Skylane Bowling, Cal’s Restaurant, Carlton Harley Davidson, Italian Garden, Subway, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, Advanced Auto Parts, Napa Auto Parts.
“Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” beamed Chief Gregory. “Without the help of everyone involved we would not be able to hold the Hiram/Garrettsville “Shop with a Cop” program each year.”
Photos by Dave Dreimiller
