Police Chief Sean Reynolds learns what one of the students participating in Shop with a Cop wants for Christmas. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The Salem Police Department’s Fraternal Order of Police Shop with a Cop program allowed members of the department to shop with 45 students recommended by the schools.
Police Department Sergeant and FOP Treasurer Kyle Ambuehl says the number was down this year and the shopping spread out more hours to try and avoid issues with COVID-19, but the end result was the same.
“They get excited and some of them you have to reign them in a little bit because they are just starting to grab stuff but that’s the beauty of it. These kids are excited and are picking out toys and things they want and if we find someone who needs something like a coat or something we will help out with that also.”
Sergeant Garland Simmons checks out the items selected by one of the Shop with Cop recipients with Walmart cashier Joyce Hanks who says the event is what Christmas is all about. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Ambuehl says the clothing is purchased on top of each child’s allotment for toys. He notes many of the normal fundraising activities could not take place.
“We sent letters out to business people and we’ve had an overwhelming turnout with businesses going ahead. We know it’s tight and everyone is feeling the pressure of the COVID but we appreciate everyone who has donated.”
Salem Police Detective Dan Bosomworth helps one of the Shop with a Cop participants pick out a toy. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Most officers were joined by their wives and at least one retiree in joining the kids as they made their trips down the aisle at Walmart on Saturday looking for their favorite toy or game.
This was the fifth year for Walmart employee Joyce Hanks to volunteer to be the cashier for the kids checking out. She says she looks forward to the day every year and loves to see all the smiling faces on the kids. Hanks says for her this is what Christmas is all about.
Salem Police Officer Ryan Meador waits for a Shop with a Cop participant to make a decision at the annual event on Saturday at the Salem Walmart store. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
