Local Law Enforcement Host ‘Shop with a Cop’ Events for Area Children
Excelsior Springs, Mo. (Dec. 15, 2024) — Two local law enforcement agencies hosted “Shop with a Cop” events over the weekend, bringing holiday cheer to area children while strengthening relationships between officers and the community.
Excelsior Springs “Shop with a Cop”
The Excelsior Springs Police Department held its annual “Shop with a Cop” event on Saturday, Dec. 14, continuing a tradition that has spanned for nearly a decade. Designed to build trust and connection with local youth, the program provides children with essential care and holiday gifts while fostering positive interactions with law enforcement.
At 9 a.m., 12 local students, selected by school social workers and teachers, gathered at Excelsior Springs Middle School. The children spent time coloring and chatting with their assigned officer about their shopping lists before boarding the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber trolley. At 9:30 a.m., escorted by a procession of police vehicles, the trolley headed to the local Walmart.
Each child was given a $300 budget to purchase gifts for their families and themselves. After shopping, they met Santa Claus in the Walmart lobby, enjoyed snacks provided by Walmart, and returned to the middle school. There, they wrapped their presents and shared a pizza lunch provided by the Excelsior Springs QuikTrip. Before heading home, each child received two bags of fresh groceries donated by the nonprofit Feed Northland Kids.
“The best part of this event is seeing how selfless the kids are,” said Officer Samantha Nash St-John of the Excelsior Springs Police Department. “When they shop, they often want to spend most of their money on gifts for their family—exciting presents for their siblings or something special for their mom. It’s heartwarming to see their generosity and excitement. Events like this not only provide holiday help but also build lasting relationships between officers and kids, creating a positive connection that can last into adulthood.” Officer Nash St. John works as a School Resource Officer (SRO) in the school district and has helped organize the Shop with a Cop event for the past several years.
Funding for Excelsior Springs’ program comes from annual fundraising efforts by the police department, including their “Dunk-a-Cop” booth at National Night Out and other community events.
ESPD Shop with a Cop photos by S Jason Cole
Clay County Sheriff’s Office “Shop with a Sheriff”
On Sunday, Dec. 15, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual “Shop with a Sheriff” event at the Walmart on North Church Road in Kansas City, Mo., bringing holiday joy to 40 children. Deputies partnered with participants, who were selected by counselors and social workers in the North Kansas City Schools district, where the sheriff’s office provides school resource officers.
The children shopped in two sessions, with half arriving at 9 a.m. and the rest at 10 a.m. Each child received $200 to buy gifts for themselves and their loved ones. Volunteers from the sheriff’s office were on hand to help wrap the presents. Funding for the program comes from grants, public donations, and contributions from sheriff’s office employees, who donate in exchange for permission to sport beards or jewelry throughout the year.
Clay Co. Shop with a Sheriff photos provided by the Clay County Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy Alumni group.
How to Get Involved
These programs rely on the generosity of the community to continue spreading holiday joy to children in need. If you’d like to support future “Shop with a Cop” or “Shop with a Sheriff” events, consider making a donation. Contact the Excelsior Springs Police Department or the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to learn how your contribution can help make the holidays brighter for local families and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.
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