If you see lots of patrol cars at the Benton location of Walmart on Tuesday night, it’s not a shake-down. It’s the annual “Shop With Our Cops” event. This is where officers from the Benton Police Department and other law enforcement take local children on a Christmas shopping trip to be sure they have gifts for themselves and their family members.
The tradition of officers assisting children in this shopping spree began in 1998 by the Saline County Chaplains Association in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies. It was designed to help provide gifts to children who otherwise would not have any gifts for Christmas, and allows the children to purchase gifts for their family or friends in need.
The participating children are selected, based on individual need, through a process utilizing school counselors in the area. Donations from local individuals and area organizations funds the annual event.
For more information or to donate to “Shop With Our Cops” contact Chaplain Tamera Gore at [email protected].