An officer recovering from being shot on duty gives back to kids in need

Greendfield, Ind. - Hancock County public safety agencies made it an early Christmas for some deserving kids. This year's “Shop with Public Safety” has special meaning for one Fortville Police officer.

It was supposed to be a normal traffic stop, but it wasn't for Officer Matthew Fox who was shot in the arm and the bullet ricocheted to his forehead on July 27.

Nearly five months later, his scars are a reminder of that tragic day. “Still dealing with the same it's still fresh, but we're getting along quite well,” says Officer Matthew Fox.

Just over a week until Christmas, Officer Fox is hard at work shopping for kids in need. “I always like to help the kids out for Christmas, but this year is definitely different because I almost was not here to help the community out and the kids out,” says Officer Fox.

Officer Fox started “Shop with Public Safety” three years ago, when he saw how much of a need there is in Hancock County. This year, organizers raised $6,000.

“I got shoes, underwear socks hot wheels a Nerf basketball hoop,” says Corey Robinson who spent his share of the donations with Officer Fox.

Twenty-five deserving kids like 12-year-old Corey Robinson got a personal shopper and $240. This year, each child received $20 more than last year that's because organizers say they raised more than ever before.

Officer Fox knows how important his program is for those in need and he said he didn't plan on missing it. “Especially what they're shopping for you can see what they need and the necessities shoes socks underwear jacket you know these kids need this,” says Officer Fox. “We understand parents have financial difficulties with the way the economy is and we want to help them out. ”

Officer Fox says the money raised comes from donations in the community as well fundraisers they hold throughout the year.

Officer Fox says he has about a month of recovery left and he will be back patrolling the streets.