The annual Shop with a Cop event took place Saturday, Dec. 7, offering an opportunity for kids to pick Christmas gifts for their family members.
Sweet Home Police Department officers, Linn County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Oregon State Police troopers and a Linn County Parole & Probation officer each paired up with a child and took them shopping at BiMart using a $100 gift card.
“It’s an experience for our little ones to get out there, meet an officer and go have a fun interaction with them,” said Sean Morgan, SHPD community liaison.
Facilitated through SHPD, low income families apply to the program. This year SHPD was able to invite 33 kids to participate. Morgan explained the program is funded entirely by donations to the Kids Program, a majority of which comes from donations collected at Angila Tack Food Services’ free Thanksgiving breakfast.
“We deeply appreciate all the donations that come in,” Morgan said.
After selecting toys for siblings and more grown up items, such as blankets, for parents, the items were then carted back to the police station where the Sportsman’s Holiday Court and volunteers from the Linn County District Attorney’s office wrapped each present.
“People come here and they help kids,” Morgan said. “It’s not the police department doing it; we’re a facilitator. This is the community helping kids.”