On Saturday morning, December 14, the Waldron Police Department partnered with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office for Shop with a Cop. Officers and deputies assisted 45 children in fulfilling their Christmas wish lists.
It’s an annual tradition for both departments, who partner with the school district. The event takes a great deal of planning and financial assistance from the community, but the payoff is well worth it, seeing the smiles brought to children’s faces.
One officer recalled a child from a previous trip who wanted to shop for members of his family instead of himself. “It was truly heartwarming,” he stated.
Driver Ken Overturf bussed the children to the Walmart in Greenwood. Associates there greeted and entertained the kids as each eagerly waited their turn to shop. Also attending, Mayor David Millard, who has spent many years himself alongside children at these events as a former police officer and chief.
The Waldron Police Department was gracious to those who made Shop with a Cop possible. “Many thanks for the generous donations from businesses and individuals, which made this event possible! Thanks also to the Walmart associates for hosting the event and for helping entertain the kids as they waited their turn to shop…We also want to recognize Sherry Johnston, Waldron Schools, Ken Overturf (our brave bus driver) and Linda Vaughn for their efforts in coordinating this event each year. This is a wonderful opportunity for our officers to build relationships in our community and spread the joy of Christmas!”
