Last year, Sergeant Angela Stover with the Fontana Police Department- participated in the annual Shop with a Cop program designed to help provide toys to Fontana's lower income youth. The experience has changed her life.

Sgt. Stover had met a family with a warm and loving young child named Paul (whose name has been changed to protect his identity) with Down Syndrome.

"Paul initially was afraid of the Police and did not speak much," said Sgt. Stover.

Officers took several extra steps to change his fears such as letting him see the flashing lights on the squad car, giving him Halloween bags and more. Eventually, Paul warmed up to the police and Sgt. Stover nominated him for the Shop with a Cop program. He was selected and, as it turned out, she was his partner for the event.

"We moved through the store straight to the toy aisle where he chose trucks, trucks, and more trucks," said Sgt. Stover.

With a full cart, Paul and Sgt. Stover made their way back to the front of the store.

"The most memorable moment was Mom's face as she watched her son push his full shopping cart to her in the parent waiting area. Paul left with a cart full of goodies; I left with empty pockets and a heart so full it still brings tears to my eyes," she added.

As Sergeant Stover points out, the Shop with a Cop program is funded mostly by the Police officers themselves.

"There is no amount of money that can be exchanged for the difference we are able to make in these children's lives during that small amount of time each year. Every young cop starts out with what would appear to be a cookie cutter oral board statement, 'I want to be a cop to help people and make a difference.' This event is one example of how that simple statement becomes a life altering reality."

This winter while lists are being made, decorations are being placed throughout the house, and presents are being wrapped, stop and think about those less fortunate. In the past year, we've all heard about people whose lives have been affected by fire or death. We have all read about children in need of foster care or clothing and a proper breakfast. If you don't already give to a local charity and you would like to help make someone's holiday better, consider a donation to any of the following drives. On November 2nd and December 7th the monthly Cruise Night at the Art Depot, located at 16822 Spring Street, will provide a drop off area for a Toy Drive benefiting Fontana youth. Any unwrapped toys or gifts are welcome. For those who miss the events, the drop-off will be in the Art Depot Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. To find out more about the toy drive or the monthly Cruise Night events, please call Damien Terrones at (909) 428-4556.

A collection box is available at the Jack Bulik Teen Center located at 16581 Filbert Street. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, please call Jack Bulik Teen Center at (909) 428-8393.

On Thursday, December 6, the Police Department will celebrate the 22nd Annual Bicycle Give Away . The event gives youth from low income families a brand new bicycle. Children are nominated by the School District and the Police Department supplies all helmets, pads, and other safety items needed. Donations to the annual event can be made to the Police Department by contacting Heather Howard at (909) 350-7758.

On Saturday, December 8, the Community Services Information Booth at the Festival of Winter which runs from noon to 6:00 p.m. at the Art Depot 16822 Spring Street, will have a box for donated unwrapped toys for anyone aged 0-17.

On Friday, December 15, the Fontana Police Department will host two special events Shop with a Cop followed by Fontana's Santa's. The Shop with a Cop event is the annual drive that provides area youth from low income families with the opportunity to go shopping with a police officer. Partners in the event include Fontana Unified School District who help select the students, Kmart, and the Fontana Police Officer's Association.

Also on Friday, December 15, Fontana's Santa's distribute the gifts that have been gathered from collection bins at all of the Fontana schools, the Jack Bulik Teen Center, and Cruise Nights.

Collection drives for the program will be provided by local service groups including the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs.

To find out more about toy drop-off locations for Fontana Santa's or purchasing Kmart gift cards for the Shop with a Cop program, please call Heather Howard at (909) 350-7758.