The Parsons Police Department’s Main Street Christmas Concert Saturday featuring the Duke Mason Band raised $4,000 for the department’s Shop with a Cop program.
“We had a great turnout at Saturday’s concert,” said Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks. “The Duke Mason Band’s generous donation of their time and talent made this an incredible night, and we raised over $4,000 for a program that truly changes lives.”
Spinks was thankful for Duke Mason and his band’s contribution of time and musical talents. He said in a prepared statement that their performance and support were key to the event’s success.
Thanks to prior fundraising efforts, along with a $5,000 grant from Parsons Walmart, the Parsons Police Department has so far raised nearly $14,000 to support Shop with a Cop this year. Spinks extended gratitude to Rod Landrum for facilitating the grant and Walmart manager Bob Nicholson for championing it. Additional major contributions include: — Parsons Post Office NALC– $1,500 — Anonymous Donation – $1,000 — Anonymous Donation- $500 With funds in place, Parsons Police offi cers will soon take deserving children shopping for Christmas gifts. Parsons USD 503 staff and its counselors and principals provide the list of children in need each year. This annual event ensures local kids have a brighter holiday season.
Duke Mason has been invited to join the officers during the upcoming shopping event to witness the direct impact of his efforts.
In one of the night’s memorable moments, the audience was treated to an impromptu Christmas hula dance performed by Parsons police staff. Spurred on by Duke Mason, Spinks, Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd, Lt. Kyle Wiford, Sgt. Keenen Roberts, Officer Mark Raney and Officer Anthony Allison took to the stage to encourage donations. The video of the “dancing cops” can be viewed on
See CONCERT, Page 2.
the Parsons Police Department’s Facebook page. https:// fb.watch/wn09aEEZTL/ “This program and events like this highlight the importance of community policing,” said Dodd. “Policing must always be about more than just enforcement. It must include guardianship, and embrace effective, empathetic and just policing and outreach to serve our community effectively.”
Donations for Shop with a Cop, as well as other Parsons Police Department programs, are accepted yearround through the Parsons Area Community Foundation (PACF) under the Parsons Police Legacy Fund. The PACF is a non-profit organization at 1815 Main, Parsons. Donations can also be made online at www.parsonsareacf.org. The Parsons Police Legacy Fund is overseen by an advisory committee consisting of City Manager Debbie Lamb, Spinks, Lt. Jason Ludwig, and citizen members Tom Davis and Rod Landrum.
