Statesville Police Officer Pope helps Hailey Settle (middle) and Michelle Settle shop for clothes during the annual Cops and Kids shopping program sponsored by the Iredell County Fraternal Order of Police.
Vinny Slavik (right) talks with Khalea Murdock while the two shop during the annual Cops and Kids shopping program.
Iris Murdock (left) and Khalea Murdock look at clothes during the annual Cops and Kids shopping program sponsored by the Iredell County Fraternal Order of Police.
Several members of law enforcement examine Nerf guns with children during the annual Cops and Kids shopping program.
Iris Murdock (from left) Kamiah Murdock, Vinny Slavik and Khalea Murdock pose for photo during the annual Cops and Kids shopping program.
Deputy Jason Kohnstamm (left) and Rodney James (second from left) pose with a family during the annual Cops and Kids shopping program.
A Statesville Police officer helps a woman as she shops for clothes during the annual Cops and Kids shopping program.
Vinny Slavik shops with the Murdock family during the annual Cops and Kids shopping program.
A member of the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police Iredell County Lodge 10 helps bag items with a cashier from Walmart during the annual Cops and Kids shopping program.
Statesville Police Sgt. Anthony Hamby chats with a woman as they check out during the annual Cops and Kids shopping program sponsored.
In tough times, a little help goes a long way.
That was the case with Iris Murdock as she shopped for Khalea and Kamiah Murdock with Vinny Slaviik at Walmart as part of the annual Cops and Kids shopping program sponsored by the Iredell County Fraternal Order of Police.
“It’s been a blessing. It’s really been a blessing, it’s wonderful,” Murdock said.
She said Khalea and Kamiah Murdock’s father died in May, adding to what is a tough year for everyone as the COVID-19 pandemic affects the economy and the way people live. But the bright spot added by the FOP purchasing clothes and other items was simply a blessing for their family.
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“I had no idea about the Fraternal Order of Police, but I thank God for them. It’s been a blessing,” Iris Murdock said.
During Cops and Kids, parents or guardians can get clothing, school supplies or shoes for their children and the FOP picks up the tab. A total of $100 can be spent on each child. Children are chosen for Cops and Kids through recommendations from school counselors, as well as other means. This year, president Rodney James said they helped roughly 50 children and their families.
For James and the Fraternal Order of Police, it’s about helping kids and building connections with the community.
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