Electrical Connection supports two ‘Shop with a Cop’ programs, brightening holidays for area children

Once again, the Electrical Connection has provided major support to two area “Shop with a Cop” programs to brighten the holidays for local children.

The Electrical Connection, a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), contributed $5,000 each to the Ferguson, Mo. and St. Francois County, Mo. law enforcement community trust-building programs.

The Electrical Connection partnered with Saint Louis FC on a fundraiser to raise money for both programs.

“The Electrical Connection leadership and that of Saint Louis FC both recognized the importance of “Shop with a Cop” for community engagement and trust building,” said Jim Curran, Electrical Connection executive vice president.

FERGUSON
In Ferguson, police were unable to use the Ferguson Community Center to give children gifts purchased with donations because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Instead, police purchased gifts with donations and personally delivered them to families at the police station on Dec. 17. Arrivals were staggered to accommodate pandemic protocols. More than 30 children received gifts.

FARMINGTON
The St. Francois County “Shop with a Cop” program adapted its event by staggering the arrival of children to help with social distancing. A total of 14 busses delivered children at intervals to the Walmart in Farmington, where they were met by Santa and led to a special staging area. Other children arrived in cars with their parents.

Officers took the children shopping for holiday gifts they would not otherwise receive. More than 400 children were served in the St. Francois County “Shop with a Cop” program.

“There hasn’t been a lot of good cheer during the pandemic, so it was important for the Electrical Connection to continue supporting the programs,” said Danny Miller, COO of Total Electric, a NECA contractor based in Farmington.

$95,000 IN SUPPORT OVER 27 YEARS
Miller initially engaged the Electrical Connection in supporting the St. Francois County program in 1993. The Electrical Connection’s support grew to include the Ferguson program.

This year’s donation raises the Electrical Connection’s 27-year commitment to “Shop with a Cop” to more than $95,000.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on the Electrical Connection, visit electricalconnection.org.