Lifestyle

Wheeling police take kids holiday shopping at Shop With a Cop

Posted December 16, 2019 10:00 pm

Submitted by Wheeling Police Department

On Dec. 14, the Wheeling Police Department held its annual Shop With a Cop program at the Wheeling Walmart. Courtesy of Wheeling Police Department

Wheeling police take kids holiday shopping at annual Shop With a Cop program

Holiday spirit was in full swing Saturday, Dec. 14, as Wheeling Police Officers went shopping with local children at the Wheeling Walmart store.

Children are selected for this program based on financial need. Funds for the program were donated by Walmart, as well as the Wheeling Helping Hands Group, a nonprofit organization that partners with the fire and police departments in the community to improve the quality of life for those in need in local neighborhoods.

Children and families arrived at Walmart at 8 a.m. and were greeted by uniformed Wheeling officers, program volunteers, Santa Claus and comfort dogs provided by the Living Christ Lutheran Church.

Children were assigned to an officer and began shopping for items for themselves and their families.

"I'm always amazed when I see these kids picking gifts for everyone else," Crime Prevention Officer Scott Laverd said. "We have to remind them to get something for themselves."

"We've been hosting this program for almost 20 years now, and seeing the smiles on the kids faces during the event is always so rewarding," Wheeling Police Chief James J. Dunne said.

"It's like starting the program all over again. Definitely my favorite event that we are involved in."

Call the Wheeling Police Department Crime Prevention Unit for more information about the Shop with a Cop program at (847) 459-2994.

The Wheeling Police Department held its annual Shop With a Cop program at the Wheeling Walmart. Children are selected for this program based on financial need. Courtesy of Wheeling Police Department

During the Shop With a Cop program, kids were greeted by Wheeling officers, program volunteers, Santa Claus and comfort dogs provided by the Living Christ Lutheran Church. Courtesy of Wheeling Police Department

Children were assigned to an officer and began shopping for items for themselves and their families during the Shop With a Cop program at the Wheeling Walmart. Courtesy of Wheeling Police Department

Wheeling police officers say that the most rewarding part of the Shop With a Cop program is seeing the smiles on the kids faces. Courtesy of Wheeling Police Department

Santa and Wheeling officers help children shop for themselves and their families during the annual Shop With a Cop program in Wheeling. Courtesy of Wheeling Police Department

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