‘Shop with a Cop’ proves to be a success

Published by admin on Wed, 12/20/2017 - 1:54pm

Monticello Police Chief Britt Smith and Justin Range of Monticello pose for a photo before they hit the ground running. The kids were able to spend $100 thanks to donations and grants.

Monticello Police Sergeant and D.A.R.E. Instructor Dawn Graver and Jessica Tuel of Monticello review their shopping list. Each child came with a list of items to buy for their immediate family members for Christmas.

Kyzer Seibert from Olin Schools and Matt Crowley from Midland Schools spend time with Jones County Sheriff Deputy Jason Feldmann during the Dec. 11 Shop with a Cop event in Anamosa Over 40 kids were able to shop for their family members. (Photos by Kim Brooks)
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     Jones County’s very first “Shop with a Cop” event, led by the Jones County Family Council, exceeded its goal by serving 44 youth throughout the county (Monticello, Anamosa, Midland and Olin school districts).

     The event was held on Dec. 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Walmart in Anamosa.

     Over 40 law enforcement officers donated their time to help middle school-aged kids (fifth through eighth grade) shop for Christmas presents for their immediate family members. The officers on hand stemmed from the Monticello Police Department, Anamosa Police Department, Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Anamosa State Penitentiary, and the Iowa State Highway Patrol.

     Thanks to grants, donations and private fundraisers, Sherri Hunt with the Family Council said each child was given a $100 gift card to shop with at Walmart in Anamosa. Funds were secured through: a Walmart grant, a grant from Jones County’s “We Can Make a Difference,” and private donations. Hunt said the Penitentiary held an internal fundraiser among their employees, and both police departments sent out requests for donations via social media.

     “It was a great example of community collaboration,” praised Hunt. She said this event is something the Family Council hopes to consider again next year during the holiday season.

     After the shopping spree ended, volunteers and Walmart employees wrapped every single gift purchased so the kids could take them home that night.

     A pizza party concluded the evening.

     ‘The holidays are a tough time as it is,” Hunt said during a previous interview. “This program helps give families a brighter Christmas while instilling some positively as well.”

     The Jones County Family Council is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization.

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