Shop with a Cop helps kids in need

Investigator Josh Morgan of the Johnson City Police Department with Nicholas Williams during the Shop with a Cop event, which took place last Thursday night at the Walmart in Johnson City.

Nearly 75 officers from 10 local law enforcement agencies came together last Thursday night for Johnson City’s annual Shop With a Cop event, which benefited several local kids in need.

The event started with a dinner at Faimont Elementary and then continued as a convoy of police and emergency vehicles led two buses of children to Walmart, where the kids were allowed to browse the aisles and do some Christmas shopping.

Johnson City Police Officer Cody Powell shops with Damon Carver during last week’s Shop with a Cop event.

ETSU public safety officer Clifford Hudson shops with Meki Jolly.

The Shop with a Cop program provides gifts and food boxes for low-income families who are not able to receive assistance from other holiday outreach programs. The 67 kids who participated in the event were paired with an officer and allowed to go on a $150 shopping spree to buy toys and gifts for their family members. The kids who participate are also outfitted with shoes, clothing, a coat and other items.

The program is made possible by generous donations from businesses and individuals in the community as well as a pair of fundraising events – a Jingle Jam dinner and concert and a 5K fun run. New this year, the inaugural 5K fun run was held for the first time on Nov. 10 on the campus of ETSU.