Shop With a Cop Event Lifts Spirits of Community

*All aboard! Shoppers were transported to their destination via the Excelsior Springs Chamber Trolley (Photo S Jason Cole).*

The annual Shop with a Cop event brought joy to everyone involved. As the participating children arrived at Excelsior Springs Middle School to begin their morning of activity, the faces of the officers lit up with excitement. Excelsior Springs Police Chief Gregory Dull said, “this is an event that really resonates with the community, but it’s one that officers really love participating in too.” He said Shop with a Cop is one of ESPD’s biggest outreach events of the year. “Being able to help kids and families who maybe don’t have a lot of financial resources this time of year means a lot to us all,” said Dull. The warm and welcoming nature of the event also allows the children to make a positive connection with law enforcement.

*Shoppers, officers, and family members gathered in the Middle School gym enjoying donuts, coloring, and getting to know one another before heading out (photos S Jason Cole).*

The morning began with donuts and coloring pages, giving the officers and children some time to introduce themselves and discuss their shopping strategy. The Excelsior Springs Chamber Trolley then transported the students to Wal-Mart with a full police escort, sirens blaring and lights flashing. Once in the store, the children were allowed to choose gifts for their families and themselves. Once the shopping was done everyone loaded up and headed back to the Middle School where they wrapped their gifts and enjoyed a pizza lunch.

*It was smiles all around from kids, officers and fellow shoppers (photos S Jason Cole).*

Shop with a Cop is funded through donations and events held throughout the year by ESPD. If you’d like to learn more about this program or about how you can get involved reach out to the Excelsior Springs Police Department:

Excelsior Springs Police Department
301 S. Main Street
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
(816)630-2000