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Officers exchange 'copping' for shopping

For some children, a $75 shopping spree meant collecting as many toys, videos and board games as the amount allowed. For others, it simply meant gathering $75 worth of candy - unless, of course, a police officer steered them in a different direction.

Carts filled with everything from stuffed animals to fake flowers were pushed through the aisles of the Murphysboro Wal-Mart Saturday. The shopping spree, which was sponsored by the Jackson County branch of the Fraternal Order of Police, allowed low-income children to go Christmas shopping with police officers during the Shop With A Cop program.

A group of approximately 75 children met at the Murphysboro Wal-Mart at 7:30 a.m. Saturday to participate in the program. The children, all Jackson County residents, are allotted $75 to spend as they desire in the store.

"I just think it's cool to provide kids with a good Christmas who might not otherwise have it," said Travis Hicks, an officer from Elkville who is a third-year program participant. "They get to pick out whatever they want, where as they might not have gotten anything at all."

This is the 10th year the program has taken place in Jackson County. It was started locally by Jackson County officer Terry Alexander and was designed to assist low-income families during the holiday season. It also assists those that have been affected by a recent tragedy or illness in their family. Rhonda Walker, a Jackson County Sheriff's Department correctional officer, said two of the families participating in this year's program dealt with a recent death due to a fire.

"A lot of people can't afford to give children the kind of Christmas they want," said Walker, who has organized the program in Jackson County for the past five years. "Some of these people are familiar with us, but it has not always been in a good situation. We want to show them that police are good people and they can come to us if they need something."

Walker said the department discovers possible candidates for the program from schools and organizations such as churches. She said the program is mostly for low- income children under 12-years-old. However, Walker said if an entire family were involved in the program, a child over 12 would not be excluded simply because of age.

Many of the 30 officers who volunteered for the program escorted siblings, helping older children to assist the younger in making their decisions. Kenny Coates, who was participating in the program for the first time, said he enjoyed the experience despite the indecisiveness of one of his shopping partners.

Although Coates' 7- year-old partner Madison insisted she had prepared for the experience, the Murphysboro officer begged to differ.

"I don't think you did," Coates laughed. "We did an awful lot of walking."

Despite the journey, Coates was happy to take part in a positive experience involving police and the community.

"It's been a good time," Coates said. "I enjoy working with the public on something that is positive. Police get stereotyped so much, it's nice to do something that is positive."

 

 

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