ASHLAND, Ky. — For 17 years, the Ashland Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3 has reached out to local children, making spirits bright throughout the holiday season with its Shop-with-a-Cop program.

For many tots, the gifts received at the annual event might be their only visit from Saint Nick.

Today, as our local economy struggles, law enforcement grasps the importance of connecting with underprivileged youngsters at Christmas time and beyond — offering a hand-up, inspiring and shaping lives.

An ever-increasing number of families will turn to Shop-with-Cop this year for yuletide assistance, so a strong fundraising season is of the essence as local officers, troopers and deputies team up to offer children a joyous holiday.

Typically, Shop-with-a-Cop touches the lives of around 150 children and teens, but, this year, the numbers promise to grow.

With that, Ashland F.O.P. is asking for community support — requesting partners to promote its upcoming 67th annual Policeman’s Ball celebration — benefiting Shop-with-a-Cop.

Serving youth, Policeman’s Ball is Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., with festivities ending Sunday, Nov. 22 at 1 a.m.

For the first time ever, the dinner and dance is at the Bellefonte Country Club in Bellefonte, Ky.

For further details and to reach out as a media partner for this special night, call Tammie Hetzer-Womack, Policeman’s Ball public relations committee, at (606) 922-4677 or Bill Bare, Policeman’s Ball planning committee, at (606) 615-5705.