On Saturday, December 19, 1998, 300 Indiana children had the opportunity to shop with Indiana State Police officers for new clothing and toys. The event, believed to be the only statewide event of its kind, was held at selected Wal-Mart locations across the state. The event was totally sponsored by the Indiana Troopers Association.
In its second year, 1998, the program, formerly called "Shop With A Cop", was renamed in memory of Senior Trooper Pat Bartram of the Putnamville Post. Trooper Bartram assisted with the program in 1997 by accompanying children from several families as they shopped at the Martinsville Wal-Mart. In March 1998, Trooper Bartram gave his life in a line-of-duty accident. Trooper Bartram had indicated his desire to participate in the 1998 program and the association renamed the program in his memory.
The association sponsors the "Christmas for Kids" program in an effort to make the holidays a little brighter for families who are having a difficult time making ends meet during the holiday season. These are families who, after food is on the table and the bills are paid, have no funds for clothing and toys for their children.
A randomly selected elementary school from each county was asked to submit the name of the family in their school system to participate in the program. Indiana State Police Superintendent Melvin Carraway assigned Indiana State Police officers from each district to meet with the children and their parents at the designated Wal-Mart locations.
Each family received $200 in Wal-Mart Gift Certificates equally divided between clothing and toys of their choice. One family from each Indiana county participated in the event. This program helps the Indiana Troopers Association to continue in their goal of "lending a helping hand" during the holiday season to Indiana's greatest asset - our children.