By Carol Anders
Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — The local F. O. P. Lodge 195 and other volunteers of “Shop with a Cop” say they are among the latest target for people trying to scam money from unsuspecting residents and area businesses.

Hurshel Hunter, who has headed up the efforts for the last several years, said he received a call from a business asking if they were soliciting money by telephone for the annual event.

Hunter said, “We have some of this every year. It’s very disheartening.”

Hunter said donations can be placed in any of the 50 containers at area businesses or at WTCA radio.
“We will also be sending out 600 letters asking for donations,” he said.

Hunter said FOP used to solicit by phone, but discontinued the practice.

Money collected by the organization is used to take Marshall County children shopping near Christ-mastime. The children are allowed to purchase items for themselves or others.

In the past, Hunter has said that kids even buy toothbrushes and underwear. He noted that many want to buy presents for family members before they ask for something for themselves. Each child is accompanied by an adult.

Children are selected each year through an application process. The number selected is based on donations received.