Shop With a Cop promotes service to community

Service to community is one of the top priorities for law enforcement officers everywhere. On Saturday, Dec. 9, local law enforcement officers still got to put on the uniform and serve their community, but this time as participants in the annual Shop With a Cop program.

The program allows officers to shop with a child to ensure everyone has a present under the tree this season.

The purpose of the program is to have children interact with law enforcement and other emergency responders to assist with them overcoming a potential fear or uncertainty about law enforcement officers in uniform.

Shop With a Cop also allows the children with an opportunity to use donated money to purchase gifts for loved ones, when chance of receiving holiday gifts may be low.

On the morning of Dec. 9, 12 children met at the H.E. Gritman Senior Center for the shopping trip of a lifetime. Local emergency responders, including police officers, EMTs and 9-1-1 dispatchers, met them to begin their morning of shopping local.

Along with anonymous donations made throughout the year, local businesses also provide discounts for the young shoppers during their trip around town.

This year, businesses like Ritzville Ace Hardware, and Bob’s TV and Appliance offered a discount on each total purchase to help the kids stay in budget while shopping for their loved ones.

At the Ritzville Drug Company, not only did the children receive a discount on purchases, they also received a gift bag. The bag was filled with holiday treats and activities.

During the shopping trip, each officer received an envelope with the child’s budgeted money, as well as a list of family members and the ages of their siblings. The children personally selected a gift for each family member, and were also allowed to select one gift for themselves.

After the shopping trip, the officers, children and volunteers met back at the senior center to wrap presents. Among the volunteers at Ritzville Area Chamber Commerce President Karen Cady, and even Santa made a visit to assist with wrapping gifts and visiting with the children.

While the kids worked diligently alongside their shopping partner, they were also welcome to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

Memories Diner donated the hot chocolate for the event, while all of the present wrapping material was also provided by a long list of donors.

After the presents are wrapped, family members picked up the children and thanked law enforcement members for their positive interaction with the community and the kids.

Ritzville Police Chief Dave McCormick helped coordinate the event, and expressed gratitude for the extensive list of donors who make the event possible every year.