Cops to flip burgers for a cause

If you see a man in a sheriff’s uniform behind the counter at a local drive-in next week, don’t worry. He’s not there to arrest anyone — just to feed them.

On Thursday, members of the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Corrections Officers Association will don aprons and flip burgers for the dinnertime rush at the A&W Drive-in Restaurant on Mile Hill Drive in Port Orchard.

A portion of the funds they raise between 5 and 7 p.m. will go towards the “Shop With A Cop” Christmas program, held for the first time in the county last year. The money from Thursday’s event will help buy special holiday items for underprivileged children and their families.

Last year, Kitsap County Sheriff’s deputies, Port Orchard Police officers and Washington State Patrol troopers joined needy children at the Port Orchard Wal-Mart for the inaugural event.

Each child was given $100 to spend as they pleased on gifts for themselves, family members or friends. The officers served as chaperons to help the junior shoppers make sound decisions and keep track of how much they spent.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the goal last year was to provide shopping money for approximately 30 children, many homeless and living out of shelters, who were selected by the South Kitsap School District.

The program received donations from a multitude of businesses and private citizens.

In addition to the event Thursday, the corrections officers are also selling T-shirts to raise money for the program. The shirts feature the Corrections Officers Association name and logo, and cost $10 for adult sizes or $7.50 for children’s sizes.

To purchase one, contact either Sgt. Jeff Taylor or Officer Penny Harrell at 337-7108, ext. 7.

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