The new year started off with a generous donation to a local cause in Greene County.

Wild Rose Casino and Resorts in Jefferson recently donated $250 to the Greene County Peace Officers Assocation’s Shop with a Cop program. The money was given by the security department, who won the company’s holiday door decorating contest. Whichever department won, they could select a non-profit organization to receive the check and the security department chose Shop with a Cop.

Last year, the successful program included 14 Greene County youth, which is the maximum number of children that can participate. Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse explains why there is a cap to the number of kids.

“We would love to do three times that amount of kids. Unfortunately there are only so many law enforcement officers available in Greene County. And we have (Iowa) State Patrol officers that come in and help us as well.”

The funds will be used to jumpstart 2018’s Shop with a Cop. Future donations can be made at the law enforcement center in Jefferson or at Home State Bank.