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SHAWNEE, Okla. —
With sparkling eyes, 20-month-old Jonathan Scales first stared at Shawnee Police Officer Jay Keehn, but he later began to smile when they picked out a Cars 2 toy, and at times, it was hard to tell which one was having more fun in the toy aisle.
During a “Shop with a Cop” event Tuesday night, area law enforcement officers were paired with children for a shopping spree at Walmart, where each child received a $100 gift card to spend however they wanted.
For some children, decisions came easy, and for others, there was so many toys to choose from.
For Jonathan, his shopping spree included a Toy Story 3 scooter and hugs from Officer Keehn.
“I think it’s really neat,” said the toddler’s mom, Marie Scales.
For Officer Keehn, the interaction was both fun and imporant.
“It’s really good to set a tone at a young age that we’re here to help them,” he said.
Tecumseh Police Officer Donnie Lewis took a family of three on their shopping spree, helping Greyson, age 1, Brighton, age 3, and Brooklyn, 6, find just the right toys for their differing tastes.
“It’s an absolute blessing. Without them, we probably wouldn’t have Christmas,” said their mother, Brittany, who is thankful for the officers who made time for the children and for those who donated to the event.
A Shop with a Cop event first happened in Shawnee two years ago and was resurrected this year through the efforts of Bill Staggs, general manager of Ball Pipe and Supply. The business gathered scrap metal on specific days to raise funds for the event and also collected donations with help from area businesses and individuals. As a result of the staff’s efforts, $4,500 was raised and 45 children received a Christmas they’ll likely never forget.
“It’s amazing — it’s a great project,” Staggs said.
Shawnee Police Chief Russell Frantz thanked Staggs for raising funds for the event; several officers volunteered their time for the shopping spree.
“We’re real excited — it’s a great opportunity for the kids and families to interact with law enforcement,” the chief said. “We’re just thrilled to be a part of it.”
Officers from Shawnee, Tecumseh, McLoud and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office were there for the event with children participating through affiliation with organizations such as Hope House, Project Safe, Family Promise of Shawnee and the Shawnee Rescue Mission. United Way also assisted in identifying participants.
With sparkling eyes, 20-month-old Jonathan Scales first stared at Shawnee Police Officer Jay Keehn, but he later began to smile when they picked out a Cars 2 toy, and at times, it was hard to tell which one was having more fun in the toy aisle.
During a “Shop with a Cop” event Tuesday night, area law enforcement officers were paired with children for a shopping spree at Walmart, where each child received a $100 gift card to spend however they wanted.
For some children, decisions came easy, and for others, there was so many toys to choose from.
For Jonathan, his shopping spree included a Toy Story 3 scooter and hugs from Officer Keehn.
“I think it’s really neat,” said the toddler’s mom, Marie Scales.
For Officer Keehn, the interaction was both fun and imporant.
“It’s really good to set a tone at a young age that we’re here to help them,” he said.
Tecumseh Police Officer Donnie Lewis took a family of three on their shopping spree, helping Greyson, age 1, Brighton, age 3, and Brooklyn, 6, find just the right toys for their differing tastes.
“It’s an absolute blessing. Without them, we probably wouldn’t have Christmas,” said their mother, Brittany, who is thankful for the officers who made time for the children and for those who donated to the event.
A Shop with a Cop event first happened in Shawnee two years ago and was resurrected this year through the efforts of Bill Staggs, general manager of Ball Pipe and Supply. The business gathered scrap metal on specific days to raise funds for the event and also collected donations with help from area businesses and individuals. As a result of the staff’s efforts, $4,500 was raised and 45 children received a Christmas they’ll likely never forget.
“It’s amazing — it’s a great project,” Staggs said.
Shawnee Police Chief Russell Frantz thanked Staggs for raising funds for the event; several officers volunteered their time for the shopping spree.
“We’re real excited — it’s a great opportunity for the kids and families to interact with law enforcement,” the chief said. “We’re just thrilled to be a part of it.”
Officers from Shawnee, Tecumseh, McLoud and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office were there for the event with children participating through affiliation with organizations such as Hope House, Project Safe, Family Promise of Shawnee and the Shawnee Rescue Mission. United Way also assisted in identifying participants.
SRM Co-founder Glenn Blankenship said 14 families were identified through SRM to be part of the event.
“We found families we knew were having a hard time,” Blankenship said, adding the smiles on the children’s faces was what it was all about.
With children of all ages, there were officers in the toy aisles, in the electronics department as well as in clothing areas of the store, which was abuzz with activity.
Many shoppers were amazed at all the officers and what they were doing. As Chief Frantz took two shopping around the store, he said one shopper handed him a $20 bill to put toward the cause. And several officers stepped up and paid out-of-pocket the overages if the goodies in the children’s baskets exceeded their $100 gift card.
Shawnee Police Sgt. Freeland Wood, along with his wife, Shirley and son Justin, took several children on a shopping spree.
“It was awesome,” Wood said, adding they all enjoyed the time with the children.
Sheriff’s Deputy Dan Columbus took two boys shopping, where they picked up toys, and a living gift — a Beta fish from the pet department, he said.
“I enjoy their smiles — they had fun,” Columbus said, adding the interaction was good for all the officers and the youngsters. Columbus said the children he took shopping wanted to see his Taser weapon and thought it was “cool,” asking him if those are used to catch “bad guys,” he said.
For Staggs, he hopes they can hold this event every year.
As a dedicated check out line was in place, Walmart welcomed the group and served punch and cookies, making for a festive evening full of Christmas spirt and fun.
“I haven’t seen an officer yet that hasn’t come through the line smiling,” Staggs said.
Peggy Johnson, executive director of Family Promise, said this program means many will have a Christmas that might not have been possible otherwise.
After the event, a father approached officers and organizers, shook their hands and thanked all those involved.
“It’s been a rough year...thanks so much and God Bless,” he said.
