Sheriff’s Office C.O.P.S. for Christmas program helps four St. Bernard families

In front, seated, is Amesha Jackson, holding daughter Fantasia and son, Elijah, and next to them is Jaxson Allnet, son of Dep. Sgt. Shannon Cooper. In back are Sgt. Cooper, Cpl. Wayne Babin Jr., Jackson’s son, Khalil; Lt. Jamie Penton, Capt. Angela Huff, Seth Penton, son of Lt. Penton; and Kaya Penton, daughter of Lt. Penton.

In front, from left, are Kaya Penton, Jaxson Allnet, below him Jackie Penton, Lt. Jamie Penton, and Tijae Hugle. In back are Seth Penton, Cpl. Wayne Babin Jr., Capt. Angela Huff, Sgt. Jennifer Dassau, and family members Tireill Hugle, Wakesia Hugle and Tireyona Hugle.

The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office C.O.P.S. for Christmas program – standing for Caring Officers Provide Smiles for Christmas – was able to help four parish families with combinations of food, a tree and presents.

Officers primarily from the Communications Division and the Corrections Division, who formed the group several years ago, donate money and get other help to provide the assistance for needy families.

The number of families helped varies but this year four Chalmette families were selected to help at Christmas.
It was the fifth year the C.O.P.S. for Christmas program has been held. Also helping with donations to the program besides officers included several St. Bernard businesses.

The Sheriff’s Office also separately helps other groups at Christmas, including by distributing 20 children’s bicycles donated annually by Associated Terminals of Chalmette.