The holidays are back which means time for celebrations and happiness! But for some people they cannot celebrate them the way the general population chooses to. The world is full of generous and caring people, and these people can be seen donating to the ‘Shop with a Cop’ program.

The ‘Shop with a Cop’ program is ran by the police departments and was created to help those families in need to enjoy the holidays a little more than the usual can. Officer Lance Goddard of the Raymore Police Department explains fully what the event is.

“Thirty kids and their families from the Ray-Pec school district meet us at Centerview in Raymore. Officers will take the kids to Walmart and each kid will get $100 to spend on their presents. They will get their presents wrapped at Walmart and then we will take them back to Centerview to meet back up with their families. We will have pizza and other food and drinks for the families and some entertainment at Centerview for the families,” said Goddard.

Officer Rick Clausing of the Peculiar Police Department informs why the event was created and how it can be a positive stamp to some lives.

“Police officers deal with families that find themselves in precarious situations. Sometimes they are not able to afford Christmas for their children. It was developed to take care of families that need a hand up.” said Clausing.

Those who sponsor and run these events are from the police departments. Not all police departments can run these types of programs though. They are expensive and time consuming for the police departments as for the people.

“Many departments have shop with a cop, typically it is departments that have the ability to put together social programs such as that. Normally it takes a lot of money to put something like this together. Other departments like Raymore Police Department, or larger departments like the Harrisonville Police Department. I believe the Belton Police Department also does shop with a cop.” said Clausing

Even though not all Police departments can run these sorts of public events, there can still be donations. While they do not happen frequently, anybody can donate to the ‘Shop With a Cop’ Fund.

“I do not think we have had ‘random’ people try to volunteer before. Usually they are associated with one of the organizations or businesses that help us out. I am sure we would be open to anyone that wanted to help out by donating their time our materials.” said Goddard.

And to some people they are happy that there are others in the world willing to spend money, or spend time to help out others during the holidays makes them happy.

“It is pretty neat the people that are involved normally towards their public government for assistance and to have somebody that looks like a hero whether it be somebody you know like a police officer to walk around with a police officer is usually a scary moment and actually get a opportunity to have really positive interaction with someone who saves lives.” said Clausing.

There are multiple ways that “Shop with a Cop” can benefit all of those involved from providing them with a great experience during the holidays. To parents being able to focus on other matters like the household and payments.

“I think it will make the holidays easier for the families involved. We take care of the presents so they can focus on other needs they might need to spend their money on. All the families involved seem very appreciative.” said Goddard.

The program of “Shop with a Cop” is one of many other programs that is designed purely to help those who have some challenges enjoying their holidays. The program gives a whole new light on how donating, or helping others can truly make an impact in the community. From the police volunteering to be involved with the project, to civilians donating any amount of money to assist with the event. All of these kind acts trickle down to make a more encouraging and supportive community.