Shop with a Cop another huge success


Monticello Police Chief Britt Smith and Monticello Officer Jordan Koos assisted Monticello eighth-graders Andrew and Michael Berta during Shop with a Cop on Dec. 10. (Photos by Kim Brooks)

Monticello fifth-grader Ethan Camp gets some assistance from Monticello Officer BJ Tate as they prepare to checkout at Wal-Mart. The Dec. 10 Shop with a Cop event served almost 60 children throughout Jones County this year.

Jones County Sheriff’s Deputy and D.A.R.E. Officer Jason Feldmann was assigned to both Irelyn Clagg, fifth grader from Olin, and Bettsie Lovell, sixth grader from Monticello. The girls had fun buying gifts for their families.

Jones County Chief Deputy Assessor Jane Russell volunteered her time the evening of Dec. 10 to wrap the many presents children purchased as part of Shop with a Cop.
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     The second annual Shop with a Cop event in Jones County broke some records and was a hit with all those involved!

     The Jones County Family Council secured a dozen or so volunteers, as well as 56 law enforcement officers to assist 58 children in shopping for Christmas presents for their families. Thanks to over $6,200 in donations and grants, Family Council volunteer and Cedar/Jones Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) Director Sherri Hunt said each child was able to spend $100.

     “Many have already said they want to do it again next year,” expressed Hunt.

     Several area law enforcement agencies volunteered their time on the evening of Dec. 10 to assist the children in making their way around the Anamosa Wal-Mart store. Each child previously filled out a list of potential gift items for their parents and siblings. The kids also got the chance to pick out something special for themselves.

     Those law enforcement agencies that took part included:

     • Monticello Police Department

     • Anamosa Police Department

     • Jones County Sheriff’s Office

     • Anamosa State Penitentiary

     • Iowa State Patrol

     Monticello Police Chief Britt Smith said much like starting the School Resource Officer (SRO) position with the Monticello School District, “We were looking for ways to relate and interact with youth within our duties that was not in an enforcement type of interaction. The more positive interactions we have with the youth, the easier it is for them to trust and come to us with problems, along with changing some perceptions about the police.”

     Jones County Sheriff Greg Graver agreed. “Some of the youth who have taken part have already had interaction with officers due to their environment or decisions that may not have been positive,” Graver shared. “We get to spend about an hour or so with the youth and we get to talk about things outside law enforcement or their homes such as school, activities, family, etc. This allows them the unique opportunity to see the person behind the badge.

     “This positive interaction is something, that for them, could last a lifetime, and in today’s political climate is something law enforcement really needs right now,” continued Graver.

     Aside from the law enforcement, several Jones County officials also gave their time to help wrap gifts as well. Hunt said Wal-Mart employees also were a huge help in getting the kids through special checkout lanes in a timely fashion.

     With an initial goal of 44 kids, Shop with a Cop was another great success this year.

     Hunt said at the start of the two-hour event, the children are generally pretty quiet and reserved. But by the end of the evening, “the chatter is quite abundant and the kids are talking about all of the items they were able to purchase.

     “They are very excited about giving to others,” added Hunt.

     Smith said the officers are just as excited as the kids. “It’s an opportunity to have a little fun and to get to know the kids a little better,” he said.

     Smith said the MPD has several generous donors who graciously support Shop with a Cop. “We appreciate their support,” he said.

     Graver shared those same sentiments about the donations. “This could not be done without the help of donors, businesses, volunteers and Wal-Mart. We are deeply appreciative of that!”

     “Everyone believes this is a great community project that brings together many different groups to support children and families,” said Hunt. “Sometimes the smiles say it all.”

 

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