This weekend on Saturday, August 15, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and Star 98’s T-Bone and Heather held a charity softball game at Chancellor’s Run Park in California. Proceeds from the benefit are earmarked to help fund the Shop with a Cop program set to happen the following weekend on August 21.

The fun began at 4:30 p.m. with a "Home Run Derby" where individuals took turns trying to out hit each other for trophies and free tickets. Nine other people took their chances trying to hit the Star 98 logo to win a Harley Davidson. None were succesful. The 50/50 raffle became even more of a windfall for the kids when the winner returned her half of the winnings to the cause.

When all was said and done, the charity event raised almost $5000 in support of the worthwhile program. According to St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, Dfc. Cindy Allen, donations are still being accepted. Anyone wising to support this cause may send their checks made payable to Shop with a Cop to St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, attn. Dfc Cindy Allen, 23150 Leonard Hall Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

“Shop with a Cop” is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, sponsored by the St. Mary’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 and the Optimist Clubs of St. Mary’s County, and funded strictly through charitable donations.

Local law enforcement officers take children with economic needs shopping on August 22 to purchase school supplies and clothing for the coming school year which begins on August 26 in St. Mary’s County. The program also helps children at the holidays buy gifts for family and friends.