Shooting deaths of law enforcement officers spiked 78 percent in the first half of 2016 compared to last year, including an increase in ambush-style assaults like the ones that killed eight officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, according to a report released recently by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Cookies for a Cop has become a national program that has gained strong support after social media buzz energized the efforts and interests in the movement, which was started to show support for the men and women who protect and serve towns and cities across the country.
The idea is to bake or buy cookies and other sweet treats and then deliver them to officers at the police station. This is the third year for the campaign and it has fostered a strong connection between law enforcement and communities across the country, according to Becky Grizovic who is part of the national program.
“While numbers are changing hourly and we expect much growth over the next month, we currently stand with 62,361 cookie commitments nationally,” she said. “There are 108 K9 and horses to be served and 551 law enforcement and fire departments. There are 162 leaders with countless helpers and 26 states represented.”
Grizovic added, “of the 551 departments, 211 still have numbers to submit so I expect we are already easily over 75,000 but until official numbers come in, we just don’t know. I am still a bit amazed with the amount of support and incredible people who have come together to make this mission possible, including our Hamilton leader, Rachel.”
McCoy said that this is her second year leading the local effort and this year’s goal is to deliver two cookies per responder in the city.
“We wanted to get the word out early this year so we can meet our goal — we delivered over 5,000 just last year and we are going to try to do more this year,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be cookies it can be any baked good. All donations will need to be in by Oct. 8 so they can be labeled and packaged.”
McCoy said she would love to have any youth group or volunteers help with delivery on Oct. 10.
“The officers were very thankful for the sweets last year and we also had a treat basket for Flash the K9,” she said. “The officers and EMS deserve this during these trying times.”
Anyone wishing to donate or help with delivery can contact McCoy at cookies4hpd@yahoo.com or 513-641-7049.
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