Shop with a Cop 2011: IBEW/NECA Partnership Exceeds $40,000 In 17-Year-Long Commitment to Program

FARMINGTON, MO. — “Shop with a Cop,” an enduring holiday season program for disadvantaged children in St. Francois County, Mo., exceeded its goal to reach 450 kids with the help of a $3,000 donation from the Electrical Connection. At the same time, the donation was a benchmark for the Electrical Connection which has now donated more than $40,000 in its 17-year commitment to the charitable endeavor. This year, “Shop with a Cop” raised funds to provide a day of holiday gift shopping with local enforcement to 480 children in need. The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

“Shop with a Cop” is sponsored by the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Association. Due to this year’s positive response, the program exceeded its goal by 30 children. “This is what its means to be part of a community,” said Greg Booth, business manager, IBEW Local One. “Our membership and the union electrical contractors that employ them have a stake in helping improve the lives of those most in need in St. Francois County. These are our neighbors and they are an important part of improving the overall economic health of our community.”

IBEW Local One business representatives Lee Asher and David Stanley joined Danny Miller, owner of Farmington-based Total Electric, and David Shaw of St. Louis Chapter NECA, in presenting the $3,000 donation to the St. Francois County “Shop with a Cop” program on Nov. 30, 2011. The proceeds helped fund the holiday shopping excursions for 480 disadvantaged children on Dec. 16 and Dec. 19, 2011.

“We build in this region and raise our families here,” said Miller. “It’s important to give back to the community we serve, and it’s simply the right thing to do.”

Members of the Electrical Connection provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across eastern Missouri.