Eighteen kids had the opportunity to shop for gifts for their families and items for themselves
BATTLE GROUND — Eighteen deserving kids spent the morning of Sat., Dec. 8 shopping for gifts for their families and items for themselves during Battle Ground’s Shop with a Cop at Walmart. Accompanying the kids were their shopping partners, seven of Battle Ground’s finest who volunteer for this special assignment.
The cops and kids started the day at the Battle Ground police station for a meet and greet before heading to the Battle Ground Walmart in a police vehicle motorcade complete with lights and sirens. The kids received a warm welcome from Walmart staff who provided refreshments for families and a bag of treats for each of the kids.
The participating children attend schools in Battle Ground and were nominated for the program by school staff for exemplary citizenship and academic efforts. Each child was granted $125, as much time as they needed to shop with their cop, and the assistance of a Walmart store associate.
The smiles of the kids and the cops, as well as everyone who witnessed the activities, reflected the season’s spirit of giving. Walmart patrons, moved by what they saw, donated $70 in cash towards the program.
Battle Ground’s annual Shop with a Cop, in its fifth year, would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Walmart Foundation. This year’s $2,250 Community Grant supported these 18 children and their families.
“We appreciate Walmart’s support of this program,” said Police Chief Bob Richardson, “These kids are deserving and our officers appreciate the opportunity to further build relationships with them and with the public we serve.”
Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.
