PRINCETON, W.Va. -The Mercer County Sheriff’s Department is returning with its annual Shop with a Cop event which brings children to Walmart for a special shopping spree.
Not only is it a time the kids look forward to but also the officers.
“To me, it’s very important. A lot of these kids, the only way they get to see us is just in a negative light, whether it be responding to their residence or responding to a school. So, it’s, to me, it’s extremely important to be able to, for them to interact with us in a positive light,” said Sgt. Jamie Conner, with Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and Vice President of Deputy Sheriff’s Association. One parent says this is a wonderful opportunity for the kids and it helps a lot.
“As a dad’s point of view, I felt good because it warms your heart, because you get to see them be happy, and you get to see them enjoy time, because we’ve been through it, you know, we’ve grew up, we’ve done it, and now we get to sit back and watch our own little ones do it, so it brings a lot of excitement and joy,” said Ranson Graham, parent of children participating.
For the cops they love to come out and help the kids pick out toys.
“ It’s just a blast. We get to go around and actually encourage the kids to buy different things, stuff like that. They tell us what they want, we get to pick it out, and I mean, it’s pretty cool for them. Usually within the family, you know, they get to pick out certain things, but usually they get clothes and stuff like that. We usually go for toys that our parents normally won’t let us buy. Well, the ones that make noise, you know, pianos, drums, anything like that, you know, that the kids love to play with,” said Lt. W. E. Rose, with Mercer County Sheriff’s Department.
The department tries to shop with 15 to 20 kids each year depending on donations. If you are interested in donating call the sheriff’s department at 304-487-8364 or stop by at 1501 W Main St, Princeton, WV 24740.
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