Katie Wise

Officer Rosa Kiefer helps a child shop for Christmas gifts.

Woodstock Fire Department members help kids pick out toys.

From left, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Jimmy Eley, Fire Chief Dave Soumas and Deputy Fire Marshal Bobby Stilson at the Shop With a Hero event. From left, state Rep. Charlice Byrd, Dianna Hornes, Woodstock Public Safety Foundation President Katie Wise and Board Member Tori Hand.

Foundation's Mission is Supporting Law Enforcement

BY KATIE WISE

The Woodstock Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2010. Each year, we raise money through a variety of events, including golf tournaments, car shows, raffles and charitable poker tournaments.

Our raised funds underwrite community oriented partnerships, the emergency aid program, Law Enforcement Explorers, nonprofit outreach, equipment and training.

One of our largest funded programs is Shop With a Hero. Each year, we work with local school counselors, who provide us with names of underprivileged children. We then invite these children and their families to shop for Christmas gifts with a Woodstock firefighter or police officer. In December, we were able to shop with 133 kids and purchase more than $13,000 in gifts.

The unbridled joy expressed through these children’s faces makes me so proud to be a part of the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation. If you are interested in learning more or donating, visit www.woodstockga.gov/psfoundation.

Katie Wise joined the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation board in 2015, and was elected president in 2020. She’s been with LGE Credit Union since 2001 and is the financial center manager in Woodstock.