‘Shop With a Cop’ provides Christmas for 600+ kids this year
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A little boy shows his “cop” the latest toy he’s chosen as part of Tuesday’s St. Francois County Shop With a Cop program. According to Sheriff Dan Bullock, more than 600 youngsters took part in Tuesday’s shopping spree held at the Farmington Walmart. Kevin R. Jenkins
After only three years short of 40 years, the St. Francois County Shop With a Cop program is still going strong and growing in number.
Hundreds of underprivileged, needy, and at-risk kids from St. Francois County showed up at the Farmington Walmart between 7 and 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to take a shopping trip in various parts of the store, along with a law enforcement officer, firefighter or other first responder in tow.
Each child can select items up to $100 for the Christmas gifts they receive through the program, with their “cop” tallies up the cost of each item to make sure the kids stay within the allotted amount. There’s also a little time for the two to get acquainted with each other as they walk up and down the aisles looking for their next “treasure.”
A young teen looks over a shelf of toys Tuesday morning during Shop With a Cop while his “cop” waits for him to make his choice. This year’s program was held at the Farmington Walmart. Kevin R. Jenkins
The Shop With a Cop program is funded and organized by the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Association. According to Lora Henson, the president of the county’s Shop with a Cop program, the program began in 1986 — 37 years ago.
Last year, the St. Francois County Shop With a Cop program provided gifts for 584 children, with around 200 police officers, firefighters, and other first responders from throughout the state participating this year.
At 7:30 a.m., children with developmental disabilities began shopping. Then, at around 8 a.m., busloads of kids from throughout the county pulled up to Walmart’s doors to begin their shopping expedition.
The looks on the children’s faces showed a wide range of emotions — all the way from somewhat reserved to ecstatically happy. Meanwhile, the accompanying “cops” all seemed to enjoy the time spent with the youngsters and watched excitedly as the kids scoped out the shelves for their favorite toy, game, bicycle or other item on their “Santa” list.
One little girl who appeared to be around 5 years old was checking out the dolls, while an 11-year-old boy was leading his “cop” to the computer games. Wherever they headed and whatever gifts they chose, all of the children seemed genuinely grateful for the experience.
Watching all the Christmas commotion going on with a big smile on his face was St. Francois County Sheriff Dan Bullock.
We started out that first year with about 57 kids,” he said. “We had 480 some odd last year and it keeps growing. It’s looking like we’re gonna’ have over 600 kids this year — that will be the most we’ve ever had.”
Members of various law enforcement agencies wait for the arrival of children for Tuesday’s “Shop For a Cop” program held at the Farmington Walmart. Kevin R. Jenkins
Bullock sent out a big “thank you” to those who helped support the Shop With a Cop program this year, saying that the money was needed because it seems like there are more children than ever in need.
“It’s a shame there’s a need for it, but we’re glad we are able to provide it,” he said.
The St. Francis County Shop with a Cop program receives support from throughout the region. With “Santa’s list” growing longer each year, the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Association, with the assistance of President Lora Henson, tries its best to help as many children as possible.
In addition to providing the children with gifts, the program also teaches the children that police officers, deputies and other first responders are people they can trust and depend on in a time of crisis. The Association is a Missouri State “Not For Profit” organization. Money is raised by private and business donations and local fundraisers.
Names are submitted to Shop With a Cop by schools in the county, as well as area shelters. Ages range from 3 to 13 and, in some cases, even older. Then, on the designated day, the children meet at the Farmington or Desloge Walmart, where they are allowed to purchase whatever they want. While the usual amount the children are allowed to spend is $100, the actual amount depends on the number of children participating and the amount of funds donated.
Kevin R. Jenkins is the editor of the Daily Journal. He can be reached at kjenkins@dailyjournalonline.com.
