Battle Ground Police officers helped make the holiday season bright this year for more than 20 local children when they partnered with the youth to take them shopping in the annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Battle Ground Walmart.
The Battle Ground Police Department has teamed up with the Battle Ground Walmart store to host Shop with a Cop, since 2014, and in recent years, volunteers from the Battle Ground Senior Citizens Inc., have joined to assist.
This year, more than 20 local children shopped with 14 Battle Ground Police officers and professional staff to help create special memories and build trust and connections with law enforcement, according to the release. The children were nominated by Battle Ground Public Schools and police department staff.
According to the press release, the annual Shop with a Cop would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Walmart Foundation which provided a $2,000 grant this year to fund the program. Additionally, the Battle Ground Senior Citizens group contributed an additional $300 for the shopping fun. Walmart store manager welcomed the children and law enforcement partners with treats, goodie bags and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Gingerbread Man and a toy soldier.
According to the press release, many of the children selected necessities such as toothbrushes and socks, and chose gifts for their family members over themselves. Several officers and some store patrons, moved by the children’s “selfless acts,” donated monetarily to pay for additional items for the children, the press release stated.
“Battle Ground’s 10th annual Shop with a Cop was a tremendous success,” Battle Ground Police Chief Dennis Flynn said in the release. “We are truly grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our bond with the community we serve and to help create lasting memories for these children. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to our extraordinary partners, Walmart #5929, Lori Lindberg and Battle Ground Senior Citizen Inc., for their on-going support making this event possible.”
