Kate Aldridge was thankful that her 7-year-old daughter Allara got to go on a small, “worry-free” shopping spree Monday night. Allara is one of about 90 children who are able to buy new toys and clothes for Christmas through the annual local Shop with a Cop event.
The Shop with a Cop program is hosted by Owensboro’s Fraternal Order of Police. Children selected to participate are referred by their school counselors or family resource and youth service center workers.
Each child is given $170 to shop at Walmart — with the money to be split evenly between purchasing clothing and toys.
This marks the first year Aldridge and her daughter participated. Aldridge said she’s grateful for the opportunity to allow her daughter to shop worry-free.
“It’s a great feeling. I want to give her everything. She’s in here and says, ‘I want this. I want this.’ I feel bad that I couldn’t give it to her, but I’m just happy that she’s able to get it,” she said.
Aldridge also said this was a great experience for Allara to connect with officers and get a chance to see them outside of enforcing the law.
That’s a main objective Sargeant Loren Yonts sets out to accomplish each year with the program.
“Our officers and deputies that work together also get to be with the kids in a way that maybe they don’t typically get to be, so it allows for them to create long-lasting memories,” Yonts said.
Yonts said the program often sees repeat families and children. Given his more than 20 years of service with the program, he said he has also seen former shoppers now bring their own children to the event.
“Some of the kids come back and remember doing Shop with a Cop and remember the officers,” Younts said. “Even the officers remember some of the kids and what a positive experience it was for them. So for us, it’s a great way for us to reach out to the community and be a part of it.”
