A group of 88 local kids received a special Christmas gift on Friday through the local “Shop with a Hero” program, organized by members of the Carlsbad Police Department. Volunteers this year included staff at Walmart and McDonalds, members of the Police Department, and members of the Carlsbad Fire Department.
Local kids and family members are each partnered with a police officer or firefighter. Everyone has breakfast at McDonalds and then they head out to Walmart for a shopping spree. According to Police Chief Shane Skinner, while younger kids will still focus on toys, many of the older children will spend their time shopping for their parents or siblings. Volunteers seem to get as much out of the entire event as the kids they are serving. It was great to see so many smiling faces. Nominations for the program come through CYFD and the school system. To nominate someone in the future, please contact the Carlsbad Police Department.
Sergeant Andy Carver, who was recently recognized for his efforts by Cavemen Strong, heads the organization. The COPS program and Carlsbad Police Officers Association assist the Carlsbad Police Department with the event. “Shop with a Hero” is now in its 5th year. Thanks to everyone involved.
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We thanked our outgoing City Councilors earlier this week, but we also want to thank our three school board members who are leaving. Simon Rubio, David Shoup and Ron Singleton have done a great job serving the children of Carlsbad.
Singleton, 80, served on the school board for 14 years. He’s also a member of the New Mexico School Board Association Hall of Fame and is a Hall of Fame Heritage Coach. He worked with Carlsbad Municipal Schools as an educator and a coach from 1975 through his retirement in 2008. Being a member of school board is a tough job, especially lately, and Rubio, Shoup and Singleton all deserve our thanks for their hard work and dedication.
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Please don’t miss our annual Christmas Party, Monday, Dec. 20 at the Riverwalk Recreation Center, from 5-7 p.m. The evening will include a Live Performance by The River Bed. And, don’t forget that we have a safe ride service on New Year’s Eve. Carlsbad transit will be offering safe rides from 6 p.m. Dec. 31 through 2 a.m. Jan. 1. For a safe ride please call (575) 887-2121. Pre-registration any time before New Year’s Eve is encouraged.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway