The Redlands Police Department will provide motor escort for more than 100 elementary school children, along with members of a local church during the annual “Souled Out for Kids” Christmas shopping spree Thursday, Dec. 6.
Redlands Police Department Officers will be on hand at 8:30 a.m. as members of Pathway Church take a group of underprivileged children from Lugonia and Mentone elementary schools on the $100 Christmas shopping spree at the Redlands Walmart, 2050 W. Redlands Blvd.
The annual event was started by the Youth Ministries at Pathway Church in Redlands. Since then, staff and members of the church, along with RPD officers, have escorted the elementary school children on the shopping spree. Money for the shopping spree is donated by members of the congregation. For several years the Police Department has worked with local churches and Walmart who provide the funds to take underprivileged children on the Christmas shopping spree.
Pathway Church’s senior pastor, Jonathan Jarboe, who also serves as a volunteer chaplain and reserve police officer for the Redlands Police Department, will also be on hand at the event.
The partnership between the Redlands Police Department and local churches is part of the department’s community policing strategy, which involves cooperation with community groups, including faith-based organizations, to address factors that contribute to a reduction in crime and promoting strong families and safe neighborhoods.
For more information on “Souled Out for Kids,” contact Pastor Doug Collins at Pathway Church at (909) 793-2448.