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Shop with a Cop benefits local children |
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Friday, 28 November 2008 |
Pretty soon, you may see cops out shopping like everybody else.
That may not sound like a big deal, but the annual Shop with a Cop campaign is a big deal for children and families who benefit from the effort.
This year’s event will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at the Walmart Supercenter in Benton. Children are assigned to a police officer and the officers help children pick out clothes and toys for themselves and gifts for their families.
“Shop with a Cop is a great thing we get to do with kids,” Benton police Sgt. Kevin Russell said.
“So many times, these kids may have a bad impression of us, but this gives us an opportunity to be their friend and let them know we’re here for them.”
Detective Jennifer Tarvin said what she likes most about the event is the desire of the children to find the perfect gift for their little brother or mother.
“They have fun picking out items for themselves, but they care even more about buying for their family,” she said.
Russell said donations are greatly needed. “We have a lot less money than last year, and we have a lot of kids who may not get to go unless we get more donations,” he said.
Enter the Saline County Law Enforcement Chaplain-cy Association enters.
Chaplain Nate Bienhoff said, “With the economy the way it is, there are many in our community who have needs. It is our desire to help provide Christmas to as many children as possible.”
People interested in contributing to Shop with a Cop may send donations to: Saline County Law Enforce-ment Chaplaincy Associa-tion, P.O. Box 1905, Benton, AR 72018-1905.
For more information, call Bienhoff at 315-9600.
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