Local kids 'Shop with a Cop' for seventh year
Undersheriff Lance Stutzke and Deputy Jake End with their shopping partners on Sunday.
Photo courtesy of SHOSHONE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
OSBURN — What better way to do some holiday shopping than with a police escort?
That’s the opportunity that 91 Silver Valley kids had this last weekend when they participated in the seventh annual “Shop-with-a-Cop” program.
Held on both Saturday and Sunday, members of local law enforcement agencies met up with the participating kids at the Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 firehouse in Osburn and treated them to a little shopping spree to help spread some holiday cheer.
From the firehouse, kids piled into the many patrol cars available for them and got to ride in style to Walmart in Smelterville.
Once they arrived, the children were paired up with a deputy or officer and then set loose in the store. Each child had a budget of $100 to spend on whatever they wanted for themselves or others.
As the kids searched for gifts, their assigned officer or deputy would help them decide what to get and keep track of how much money they had spent.
Similar to years past, items purchased included a variety of different things. From clothing and tools to toys and electronics — nothing was off the table.
Once their items were selected and the march through the checkout line was complete, everybody in the police cars headed back to the firehouse where more fun was waiting.
Volunteers were on hand to help the kids wrap their presents and treat them to a pizza party.
Special guests included Santa himself, Mrs. Clause, and the Grinch (who, shockingly, tried to steal Christmas again).
Due to the number of children, OPD had to make the “Shop-with-a-Cop” program a two-day event three years ago. This means that roughly half of the children go on Saturday and the rest go Sunday.
OPD Lt. Jason Woody explained that the event continues to grow every year.
"Everything went great and we're already looking forward to next year!"
Participating agencies included the Osburn Police Department, Shoshone County Sheriff's Office, Kellogg Police Department, Pinehurst Police Department, Idaho State Police and Shoshone County Fire District No. 1.
OPD Chief Darell Braaten would like to thank the various agencies, contributors and volunteers for doing their part to make this special event happen again.
“Without everyone’s involvement, we would not be able to pull off this event.”
OPD accepts donations to fund the Shop-with-a-Cop program year-round. Their office can be reached at 208-753-9001.
