By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Times were tough a year ago, but things are just as tough as this holiday season approaches.
Making it a little less tough for as many kids as possible is the goal of Plymouth’s F.O.P. Lodge #195 and the many support organizations involved with the “Shop with a Cop and Emergency Personnel” program.
“Talking with local counselors the need is greater this year than ever,” said Hurshel Hunter, president of F.O.P. #195. “We were able to take 318 kids shopping last year.”

The group has begun accepting donations to take kids shopping at Christmas again this year. Area businesses and service groups are once again jumping behind the effort.
“My heart breaks to think of a child who doesn’t have a chance to get a gift at Christmas,” said Linda Jacobson, of ReMax Oak Crest Realty in Plymouth. “That’s why we’re involved is simply to help kids.”
Collection jars and the sale of ornaments has begun at many locations all around Marshall County as the group will seek to take kids from every area school corporation (Argos, Culver, Bremen, Triton, LaVille and Plymouth) for a shopping trip for Christmas. Counselors at the School corporations help by targeting possible families in need.
Contributors can purchase a window ornament for a donation of at least $1.  They can also drop their loose change or dollar bills into the jar to help raise this year’s event.  
“People love the program because they know where all the money is going,” said Hunter. “It’s amazing that probably 98 percent of the money the kids spend, they spend on clothes like boots and coats – and they always want to buy something for Mom.”
Each child has approximately $100 to spend on winter clothes, warmscoats, and a toy for themselves.  Many times the children want to spend a portion of the money on a gift for their parents.
A fundraiser is being planned for Thursday, Dec. 3.. The 3rd Annual Radio Auction on WTCA will be live on the air from 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m..  
“We just voted to make a ride in the ReMax balloon a gift item for the auction,” said Jacobson. “We really hope that it will help bring in money for the kids.”
Anyone wishing to donate a gift or service for the auction may do so by calling the radio station at 574-936-4096, or contact a member of the Shop With A Committee.