By By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
Nov. 27, 2000
It may be a cold day on Bonita Lakes Wednesday when Meridian Police Officer Steve Clark dressed as Santa and radio personality Art Matthews make their way by boat into the middle of the lake for four days.
But their purpose will warm your heart: It's a fund-raiser sponsored by the Meridian Police Department's Benevolent Association to buy gifts for needy children at Christmas.
Throughout the four-day period while Clark and Matthews "chill out" on the boat, donations will be accepted from the public to buy gifts for local children whose names have been submitted by a variety of sources, said Clark, a veteran police officer and vice president of the Benevolent Association. This time of year he is also known as "Santa."
Last year, police officers collected more than $16,000 and bought gifts for 101 children. Selected children go with officers to Kmart, where store managers have agreed to provide discounts. The officer is expected to spend between $150 and $200 on each child, with first priorities being clothes  especially winter coats.
Brown said from Wednesday through Sunday, the local radio station will be doing live radio remotes from the lake and the radio station.
Other members of the Benevolent Association are raffling tickets for $1 each for three grand prizes, including a $300 spending spree to Wal-Mart, $200 cash and dinner at the Silver Star Casino.
To make a donation to "Shop With a Cop" or to purchase tickets for the prizes, contact the Meridian Police Department, 485-1893. or Brown at the radio station, 483-9322.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@meridianstar.com.