At the March 8 Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education meeting, board members were treated to a presentation about the Shop With a Cop program.

Catasauqua Middle School Principal Melissa Inselmann and Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority officer Sgt. Steve Gensits shared their thoughts on the program and played a video for the board members.

This program helps students and families, who might not have the means to buy gifts during the holidays, the opportunity to share in the Christmas spirit. There were 14 students who took part in the event, which pairs students with LNAA officers for a shopping trip at Target, located at Airport Center, Hanover Township, Lehigh County. After the students purchased gifts for their families, they all go back to CMS to wrap the gifts and enjoy a lunch.

This past Christmas season marked the fifth year for this program in the district. Gensits reflected back to how it started when another officer brought the idea to him to help make Christmas magical for those in need. Loving the idea, they started planning.

One of the first steps in planning was reaching out to the school district to assist. Since the airport is in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, they contacted CMS to benefit Hanover and Catasauqua students. Working with the school counselors, they put together a list of students who could benefit from the program.

Gensits reported the first year was small, but it has grown over the years. Reportedly, each student was given $200-$300 this year to shop. He also noted there were 50-60 volunteers who helped.

He said it is worth noting they need to remind the students to also get something for themselves. Each year, they selflessly focus on making Christmas special for their families but forget to treat themselves. This is where the officers and volunteers come in.

Sponsors from the event include CASD, Lehigh Valley International Airport, Target, Mission BBQ, Home Depot, Lehigh Valley Community Benefit, Phillipsburg Easton Honda, Game Time Sports Bar and Grill, Knights of Columbus and Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Gensits presented Inselmann a plaque from the LNAA in recognition of the school’s efforts in helping the students.

Superintendent of Schools Robert Spengler thanked Gensits and the LNAA for all they do to treat and support the students.

“Thank you for you do for our kiddos,” Spengler said. “This is a huge initiative, and we really appreciate it.”