On Saturday, Dec. 17, SROs and resident deputies will be heading out into the community with a very different brief and a shopping list in their hand for the annual Shop With a Cop event.
In partnership with the Red Bank Wal-Mart in Lexington County, our deputies are teaming up with a local children’s shelter to bring some much-needed holiday cheer to the kids in their care.
Enabled by generous donations from the local community, the officers each partner up with a child to help them pick out things they want and need from the superstore’s aisles.
Not only is it an opportunity to pick up some essentials and create smiles with new toys, it helps challenge stereotypes, build understanding and create positive relationships between young citizens and local law enforcement.
“It gives us an opportunity to interact with these children on a personal level and help them understand that we’re human just like they are,” explains Deputy Joel Cooper who took part in last year’s Shop with a Cop.
After a hard morning’s shopping, the kids will have the chance to sit down and enjoy some snacks with our deputy team. Better hope there’s milk and cookies as rumor has it there may even be a very special guest taking a break from his holiday preparations to stop by and say hi.
It might be holiday shopping but the sense of community and connection the Shop with a Cop event creates lasts well beyond Christmas.
“It’s really special to be chosen by a kid”, says Capt. Jenn Burns looking back to last year’s event. “A lot of the time you’ll connect with your kid, and you know what school they go to so there’s a chance to follow up with them”.
To help spread as much festive cheer as possible to underprivileged local kids this holiday season, our Community Action Team have a number of upcoming fundraising activities, and we’re so thankful for the open hearts and generous donations from the Lexington County community that help make this important initiative possible.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the Shop with a Cop event as we see which of our deputies is really cut out to be a personal shopper!
Think you’d be great at building mutual trust and understanding within our community? From spots in our Community Action Team to the vital administrative staff that keep our department moving, we welcome applications from everyone who shares our values and is interested in a rewarding career in law enforcement. Take a look at our current vacancies, and we look forward to hearing from you.