Shop with a Cop Saturday in Rexburg
The Rexburg Police Department is getting ready for their annual Shop With a Cop program. It’s been a 20 year tradition and has continued to grow.
The Shop With a Cop program joins children who are in need with local law enforcement officers, providing the children with money to shop for Christmas presents for their families and themselves.
The program is funded completely from donations. Underprivileged children who participate in the program are chosen by law enforcement officers the community can also submit suggestions . This year 80 kids from different counties will be participating and will meet officers at the Rexburg Tabernacle. The kids will watch a video that explains the process and head out the door with their officer.
A parade of 100 police cars will make its way down Main street and stop at the McDonalds where they will have complimentary breakfast with their officer.
After breakfast the shopping begins at the Super Center Walmart located on 1450 N 2nd E. Once they are done shopping they will take a picture with Santa and their officer.
“We put out Christmas Trees throughout the counties and people have been donating toys, clothes and money,” Erickson said.
The kids also go home with a bag full of goodies and a ham that was donated.
Lieutenant Colin Erickson said he’s been involved with this event for 17 years. “To see their faces when they get their gifts just tugs at your heart. It’s touching to see these kids come out and shop. And most of these kids don’t have very much. A lot of them don’t have anything.”
Erickson said it’s interesting to who the kids shop for.”What they want to shop for is not themselves but their families. Their brother, sister or grandparents. They know the true meaning of Christmas.”
The program also opens the door for police officers to get to know and connect with the community and children.
“We just want the kids to feel special and wanted,” Erickson said.
Police Chief Randy Lewis said he looks forward to the event each year. “It’s great seeing all the kids faces when they get their toys. It truly is an amazing program to be apart of.”
Lewis also said,”More often than not children encounter police during a traumatic emergency or negative situation and we don’t want to leave a positive lasting impression on kids. That we are here to help.”
It’s not too late to donate. Items can be dropped off at the Rexburg Police Department. The event will kick off this Saturday at 6 a.m. The program benefits children in Madison, Fremont, Jefferson, Clark and Teton Counties.
Watch coverage Thursday on Local News 8 and KIDK Eyewitness News.
For details vistit http://www.rexburgpolice.com/programs/swac.cfm.
