The holidays will be a little brighter due to the fundraising efforts of the AmeriTitle Deschutes County “Community Pride” committee. This group raised $4,200 to be shared by Shop with a Cop and the Bend Senior Center – Meals on Wheels program.
Be a Santa to a Senior is another tradition that we support. We chose 30 tags with names of seniors and their list of needs and wants. Sometimes this gift is the only one the recipient will get during the holiday season. We choose to give to this event, knowing that it is designed to bring cheer to somebody who needs it.
We are overwhelmed with pride as we reflect on Deschutes County “Shop with a Cop”. This important event relies on the generosity and volunteer hours of all involved.
Derek Meyer, AmeriTitle Business Development Manager shared, “On the Shop with a Cop day, when you pull into the Wal-Mart parking lot, you might think there is a robbery in progress or that every officer in Bend is doing some last minute shopping for their loved ones. Upon closer inspection, you will see that all of the officers have a child with them for a special shopping trip.”
The mission of Shop with a Cop: “A program developed to help make the holidays brighter for less-fortunate families, and to provide an opportunity for children to engage in positive police interaction.”
Children are selected through recommendations made by local public schools and also referrals from Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth. The children get to shop for their family members, enjoying the gift of giving. They also get to choose a small gift for themselves. It is inspiring to see how much more interested these kids are in giving than in getting.
Derek Meyer expressed his enjoyment collaborating with 5 other AmeriTitle elves as they wrap the gifts for these families. “Some friendly competition breaks out as three of the large area real estate offices and AmeriTitle frantically wrap gifts for over 110 kids and their families. This is an all-day affair that reminds us of the real meaning of what occurs during this event. The kids walk in extremely skeptical of these officers, but after spending quality time with them, a true bond and a positive, lasting memory is formed. We get to view this happen, and know that a child’s life is changed forever.”
Wrapping Gifts for “Shop with a Cop”
The giving continues this week as our employees will be paying (in the form of donated snacks) to wear jeans or holiday attire. These snacks will go to the Bend Senior Center movie and dance night gatherings. Participants will be able to enjoy a treat on us!
All of these unique and cherished fundraising opportunities take a lot of coordination and giving from the community. AmeriTitle is proud to be actively involved in “Community Pride”.