It’s that time of year again. A time where we work 10-times harder than any job trying to please loved ones. Christmas decorations go up the day after Thanksgiving; come down mid January, and most age a few extra years by New Year’s. It’s a non-stop rollercoaster of needs that has most racking their brains, trying to decide what presents they still need to buy or what food items they need for a family dinner.
There’s no denying that the usual holiday needs can produce a fair amount of stress for most of us. However, there are some that deal with a heartbreaking level of stress and all over one single need… help.
On Friday, Dec. 5, the Sheriff’s department hosted their annual tip a cop fundraiser, which raises funds to help families suffering through financial circumstance give their children the Christmas they deserve. Each year, the money raised from Tip A Cop is used towards Shop With A Cop. Approximately 20 children are taken to Cedar City by members of various law enforcement agencies, where they spend the day, buy presents, go out to dinner, and perhaps most importantly, meet Santa.
This year, as well as each of the past 14 years of this fundraiser, was a success thanks to the commitment by local law enforcement and everyone at the Knotty Pine. Everyone was eager to do whatever was needed to help these children.
Troy Sanders of the Knotty Pine said, “We’re happy we can help our local law enforcement raise money for a great cause.” The turnout was inspiring with both sides of the Knotty packed to the brim for most of the night. The fundraiser, which ran from 5 to 8 p.m., resulted in over 130 plates being served and more than $3,000 in tips for the kids. Everyone that participated, whether they were working or enjoying a good meal for a great cause, enjoyed a night loaded with community outreach, great food, and overall fun.
One patron that Darrin Woodworth served, got up from the table, went straight to Darrin, and said, “I had to do two things before I left. One was to put $100 in the tip jar and the other was let you know I never thought I’d see the day that a tipped a cop $100 for anything.”
Every year, initiatives like Tip A Cop, Shop With A Cop and Toys For Tots help families find the one thing hardest to find during the holidays – spirit. They’re driven by two ideas: looking at life by comparison and reaching out to those less fortunate in our community. Tip A Cop and Shop With A Cop started 14 years ago to help families with a need that causes stress only few understand.
For officers to help families in our community, they needed the community to help them, and the community support Friday night provided just that for the officers to be able to put together a Christmas day of fun for children in the areas.
