Local police officers, deputies, and troopers helped out 50 families this morning with Christmas presents. Wal Mart donated $100 per family for the Shop With A Cop event. Kids teamed up with a law enforcement officer to hunt for gifts.
While walking around, we listened to the conversations and most of the kids were looking for gifts for other family members. They included blankets, candy, sunglasses, and, of course, toys. We even overheard one girl asking her cop buddy where the “motorcycle stuff” was.
Clarkston Police Department’s John Morbeck headed up the event and says it helps families with Christmas, but it’s also great for kids to see cops as real people.
“It’s one of those times where the officers get to interact with the kids without it being an emergency, without being a problem, without chaos. They actually get to meet an officer, get to talk with them, go shopping with them, it’s just a great experience, I think, for the kids.”
Shop With a Cop, also known as “Christmas Cops”, has been going at Wal Mart for more than 20 years. Before that, cops and families teamed up at K-Mart.
The kids were nominated by teachers, counselors, and other people who felt they deserved a merry Christmas.
