Thank You, Parsons! Shop With a Cop Concert Raises Over $4,000
The Parsons Kansas Police Department is thrilled to announce the success of its Main Street Christmas Concert, held on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, featuring the Duke Mason Band in support of the Shop with a Cop Program.
"We had a great turnout at Saturday's concert," said Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks. "The Duke Mason Band's generous donation of their time and talent made this an incredible night, and we raised over $4,000 for a program that truly changes lives."
Huge Thanks to Duke Mason and His Band
The Parsons Police Department extends heartfelt gratitude to Duke Mason and all the band members for volunteering their time and musical talents to make this an unforgettable night. Their incredible performance and unwavering support were key to the event's success, bringing joy to the audience and inspiring generosity from the community.
Community Support Drives Success
Thanks to prior fundraising efforts, along with a $5,000 grant from Parsons Walmart, the Parsons Police Department has so far raised nearly $14,000 to support Shop with a Cop this year. Chief Spinks extended special gratitude to Rod Landrum for facilitating the grant and Parsons Walmart Manager Bob Nicholson for championing it. Additional major contributions include:
· Parsons Post Office NALC- $1,500
· Anonymous Donation - $1,000
· Anonymous Donation- $500
Shopping With Kids in Need
With funds in place, Parsons Police officers will soon take deserving children shopping for Christmas gifts. The Parsons School District, through its dedicated school counselors and principals, provides the list of children in need to the police department each year. This annual event ensures local kids have a brighter holiday season, thanks to community donations and support.
Duke Mason, whose "labor of love" helped inspire such generosity, has been invited to join the officers during the upcoming shopping event to witness the direct impact of his efforts.
The Christmas Hula Steals the Show!
In one of the night's most memorable moments, the audience was treated to an impromptu Christmas Hula dance performed by Parsons Police staff. Spurred on by Duke Mason, Chief Robert Spinks, Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd, Lieutenant Kyle Wiford, Sergeant Keenen Roberts, Officer Mark Raney, and Officer Anthony Allison took to the stage to encourage donations - to the delight of the crowd! The video of the "dancing cops" can be viewed on the Parsons Police Department's Facebook page. https://fb.watch/wn09aEEZTL/
"This program and events like this highlight the importance of community policing," said Deputy Chief Dodd. "Policing must always be about more than just enforcement. It must include guardianship, and embrace effective, empathetic and just policing and outreach to serve our community effectively."
Donations Still Accepted
Donations for Shop with a Cop, as well as other Parsons Police Department programs, are accepted year-round through the Parsons Area Community Foundation (PACF) under the Parsons Police Legacy Fund. The PACF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located at 1815 Main Street, Parsons, KS. Donations can also be made online at www.parsonsareacf.org. The Parsons Police Legacy Fund is overseen by an advisory committee consisting of City Manager Debbie Lamb, Police Chief Robert Spinks, Lieutenant Jason Ludwig, and citizen members Tom Davis and Rod Landrum.
Thank You, Parsons!
The Parsons Police Department extends its deepest gratitude to the community for their incredible support and participation in this year's fundraising efforts. Together, we are making a difference for children in need and strengthening the bonds between law enforcement and the community.
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