More than 40 volunteers from local police departments showed up to the Centralia Wal-Mart on Saturday for this year’s Shop with a Cop. According to Centralia Police Lieutenant Steve Whritenour, over $20,000 were raised this year to buy presents for over 160 local children in need.
Whritenour credited Centralia Police records manager Stacey Jolliff with organizing the event and reaching out to schools to find children in need.
“The staff here at Wal-Mart go above and beyond every year, helping organize the garden center,” Whritenour said. “As far as the smooth flow of the checkouts, the staff and all the help of the management team here at Wal-Mart, we couldn’t have done all of this without them.
Volunteers from the Centralia Police Department, Central City Police, Wamac Police, and Illinois State Police as well as Centralia Tri Chi and Lifestar Ambulance helped with the event.
Officer Hinkle of Centralia PD takes part in Centralia Shop with a Cop. Photo by Austin Williams.
Centralia Officer Jader participates in Shop with a Cop. Photo by Austin Williams.
