With the holiday season in full swing, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department looks forward to its annual heartwarming event that not only brings joy to underprivileged children but also fosters a unique connection between the community and local law enforcement. “Shop With A Cop” aims to break down barriers and create a sense of trust between the children and officers.
“Shop With A Cop is an annual event we do in cooperation with Red Bank Wal-Mart in Lexington County where we connect with some of the underprivileged children in our area and we take them shopping,” Deputy Joel Cooper said.
The Festivities Begin:
The event kicks off with a breakfast where deputies and the children come together to get to know one another. Santa Claus makes a special appearance to spread the Christmas spirit and pass out candy. This welcoming setting helps lay the foundation for a morning filled with a sense of camaraderie and, most importantly, the opportunity for children to see the human side of officers in their community.
“It gives us an opportunity to interact with these children on a personal level and help them understand that we are human just like they are,” Cooper said.
Choosing Their Deputy and Hitting The Isles:
After breakfast, the children embark on a journey through Wal-Mart, armed with shopping lists and the guidance of their chosen deputy at their side.
Capt. Jenn Burns said the deputy and their child “go to the toy section first– the fun part [and] let them pick toys out”. From action figures to board games, the deputies witness the joy simple gifts can bring.
“…Then [we] go into the clothing section because that is where the need is more often than anything,” Burns said.
Building Lasting Connections:
Although the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s “Shop With A Cop” only happens once a year, the remarkable aspect of this event is the opportunity for officers to connect with the children on a deeper level. Beyond the event, many officers continue to follow up with the children they were paired with, forming lasting connections.
“A lot of the time you will connect with your kid… so you have the chance to follow up with them. So I’ll come see them at school, eat lunch with them, go outside and play kickball with them. I’ll make sure they are doing okay.” Burns said.
Creating a Safe and Joyful Community:
By “humanizing” law enforcement and showcasing their caring and compassionate sides, the hope is the children who make up the Lexington County community will view law enforcement as allies, rather than figures to be feared.
Importantly, deputies want these children to understand the joy they experience during the event is reciprocal.
“I want the kids to know that they made my day as much as we may have made theirs,” Burns said.
Initiatives such as “Shop With A Cop” not only bring joy to underprivileged children, but also serve as a reminder of the positive impact law enforcement can have on the community.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates on the Shop with a Cop event as we see which of our deputies puts the saying “shop til you drop” to the test.
Think you’d be great at building mutual trust and understanding within our community? From positions that engage with community members to the vital professional staffers who keep our department moving, we welcome applications from everyone who shares our values and an interest in a rewarding career in law enforcement. Take a look at our current vacancies, and we look forward to hearing from you.