White County Illinois FOP Lodge 249

01/09/2026

Thank you to all our local law enforcement. Your service is greatly appreciated and we thank you today and every day for all you do for our communities. 🖤💙🖤

12/25/2025

12/13/2025

With heartfelt appreciation, we reflect on a truly special day in White County, where generosity and community spirit came together to brighten the holiday season for 49 local children. Thanks to the unwavering support of donors, volunteers, and Walmart Carmi the annual Cops and Kids shopping event provided an unforgettable experience filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of giving.

Each year, this program brings together children and local law enforcement officers to share a meaningful day. This year was no exception. The children—each with a budget made possible through donations—were able to select new clothes and toys, ensuring that their holiday season would be extra special. The excitement was palpable as kids explored the aisles, their faces lighting up with each carefully chosen item.

Key to the event’s success is the generous involvement of Carmi Walmart, whose employees graciously supported the initiative by dedicating time and resources. Their cooperation transformed the store into a joyful, bustling hub where smiles and laughter reigned. Adding to the festive atmosphere, beloved figures such as Santa Claus and the Grinch made appearances, enchanting the children and creating lasting memories.

This remarkable tradition was founded by Officer Jonathan Lucas, who nurtured and expanded the program over the years. His commitment to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and local families remains the cornerstone of Cops and Kids. This year, Officer Lucas who is now retired, was able to join the children for the shopping experience reinforcing the personal touch and community bonds that define the event. Officer Jacob Quillen has stepped up and filled the leadership role and continues to organize our event. We had officers from White County Illinois Sheriff's Department, Carmi Police Department and Norris City Police Department as well as their families who partnered with children for a fun shopping experience.

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made this day possible—from donors and store staff to the parents and children who joined in the celebration. Your involvement not only supports individual families but also strengthens the fabric of our community as a whole. The event is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with generosity and goodwill.

As we look to future celebrations, we carry forward the spirit of kindness and connection that this event embodies—a reminder that even small acts of giving can create ripples of hope and happiness for years to come.
Thank you all for your support.
Merry Christmas🎄🎄🎄

12/03/2025

Emails have been sent to everyone. Some are being returned due to full mailboxes. Please empty your mailbox and see if you are able to receive mail. Please respond to the email letting us know if your child can attend.
We can’t wait to see everyone. It is going to be a fun day!

12/01/2025

We were fortunate enough to be able to attend two great Christmas parades this weekend. Carmi and Norris City both did excellent jobs with their Christmas festivities. Sheriff Weiss and Carmi SRO Drew Grider did a great job setting up our sign and trailer and as always Sheila Headlee was a wonderful driver.
We count our blessings each year that with your generous donations we can help make Christmas a little brighter for White County children. We can not do it without you. It was great to see so many of you braving the rain and cold this weekend to enoy the holiday activities. It was so cold Officer Grider even had a coat on! 🎄🎄🎄

11/28/2025

The Cops and Kids program has been going on for over 20 years. Each year the local FOP Lodge takes local children shopping for Christmas. Each child is paired with an officer and is taken shopping for clothing and toys. This is a great opportunity for children and officers to make a lasting impression.
Making a difference in the lives of the children would not happen without the support and generosity of our community. Your donations are greatly appreciated. Our shopping day is fast approaching and we could use your support. Donations can be given to any White County, Carmi or Norris City police officer. They can also be dropped off at the White County Sheriff’s Department, Carmi Police Department or Norris City Police Department.
Thank you for your continued support!

11/26/2025

All applications for Cops and Kids shopping are in We will finalize our list next week and email all chosen children.
We hope everyone has a blessed and happy Thanksgiving. 🦃

11/21/2025

Today is the last day to get those applications turned in. Remember it’s one application per child. Make sure your email is on the application. This is how we willl notify you if your child is chosen. 🎄🎅🏻

11/15/2025

Our Cops an Kids program is open to White County children ages 3-12. Donations from individuals and businesses enable us to take the children shopping. Each child is paired with an officer and they shop for clothes and toys. This is a fantastic way for officers and children to form a lasting bond. And it’s a whole lotta fun! And we know how to handle the Grinch if he attempts to spoil any of our fun!

Donations are collected year round and can be mailed to or dropped off at any law enforcement agency.

Applications are due by November 21st. Make sure you get them in on time. Follow this page for information.

11/10/2025

Some pictures from the past. Your donations make these smiles happen. We can’t wait to take the kids shopping this year. Each year we are able to take 40-60 kids shopping. Please think about making a donation to help make this happen. We cannot do this without your support. We appreciate any amount. All donations are used to buy clothes and toys for White County children to help make their Christmas a little brighter.
Thank you for your continued support. 🎄🎄🎄

11/06/2025

Thank you so much for your donation.

Thank you to Carolyn Beam for stopping by the Police Department to visit and donate from the May Lodge Chapter 783. We appreciate your generosity towards our Cops and Kids Christmas event!

11/06/2025

Thank you so much for your donation. If we have said this once we will say it a thousand times. We cannot do this without the generous support of our community. It is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to Carmi Tractor Supply for hosting the annual Hometown Heroes event. We enjoyed spending the day at the store interacting with the communtiy. As an added bonus they donated $250 which will go to the annual FOP 249 Cops and Kids Christmas event. Thank you!