Last week the Kannapolis Police Department held its annual “Cops Target Kids” event. Our police officers worked closely with the Kannapolis City School System to identify economically challenged families with children in grades K-12 that need assistance during this time of the year. Kannapolis Police officers and their families spent the day shopping with the children to provide them with presents, clothes, shoes, and other necessities – not only for Christmas, but for everyday life.

The children also had breakfast and lunch with their sponsoring police officers and families and enjoyed one-on-one visits with Santa. Each year the officers hold various fundraising activities to defray the costs for the event.

"Every year we love seeing the smiles and joy we bring to children in our community. It is truly a special time for our officers and police staff, their families and the children we are able to help.  It is just one more way we work to connect with our community, and we are honored to bring Christmas spirit to so many children," said Kannapolis Police Chief Terry Spry.

Local businesses who helped sponsor the event included, Target Superstore, Rack Room Shoes, Rite Lite Signs, Chick-Fila, McDonalds, El Amigo, Fieldhouse BBQ, Local Patriot Coffee, Holy Grind Coffee, Dr. Mike Morton DDS and the Gene Haas Foundation.