Your pledge for a gas powered mini bike could not only win you a nice Christmas present, it also will help make Christmas possible for Fremont children next year.

The fundraiser is being organized by Fremont Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 37 to benefit its annual Shop With a Cop program.

“It was given to Walmart by a distributor and they used it in a display. When they got done using it as an advertisement, they donated it to Shop With a Cop,” said Sgt. Brad Hansen, FOP treasurer. “It’s not street legal, but it does have a little gas motor. It’s going to be a fun little bike.”

Shop With a Cop is a program sponsored by FOP Lodge 37 where union members help ensure local children don’t go without at Christmas time.

This year, off-duty officers took 106 kids shopping as part of the Shop With a Cop program and spent approximately $100 per child on warm winter clothing and age appropriate toys. Families in need were nominated by their children’s schools, Care Corps or the Crisis Center to participate in the program that is funded through donations from local businesses and individuals.

Hansen said the grand total spent during four nights of shopping at the Walmart Supercenter was $11,975.

“Sometimes we spend a little more than the $100,” Hansen said. “For some kids if they need a coat, that takes up most of the $100. We do try and keep in around $100.”

The community’s need for that large of a sum during the annual program is why he said fundraisers like the pledges for the mini bike are so important.

The gas powered mini bike is on display at the Fremont Mall where pledges can be made.

“On Dec. 22, the highest pledge will be contacted and will get the bike after making the donation,” Hansen said. “Non-winning bidders will not be contacted for the money.”

However, he also said they are welcome to make a donation even if they don’t make the winning pledge.

“Because it was a gift from a distributor through Walmart, we have no idea what the value is,” Hansen said. “We’re just hoping for a good bid for Shop With a Cop.”

The FOP currently is soliciting donations for Shop With a Cop.

“We’re a little behind in donations so far,” Hansen said. “But, we haven’t sent out business letters yet.”

A majority of donations come from area businesses, although many individuals also donate.

Hansen said letters requesting donations from businesses were just sent out this week.

Any donations can be mailed to Fremont Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 37, P.O. Box 2137, Fremont, NE 68026 or dropped off at the dispatch area of the police station.