Shop With a Cop Helps Students With Christmas

Jackson County Sheriff employee Pat Collins, left, works with a student to select gifts at Wal-Mart during Shop With a Cop Wednesday.

By Jeff Steers
JTV News

(December 13, 2023 4:09 PM ET) Jackson County Sheriff Department employees have found a way to help students with the gift of giving at Christmas.

The Department runs its own Shop With a Cop program using donated funds through the Sheriff’s Office. 

The program was started by Deputy Todd Whiting approximately 10 years ago. School resource officers help select students and shop with those selected. Six area Jackson County students were selected for the 2023 program. 

This year the students, teachers, and officers shopped at Wal-Mart with approximately $200 to spend.

“We just hope the students have a blessed Christmas,” Whiting said. 

Students brought lists of present ideas for his/her siblings, parents, grandparents, etc. Officers helped with the selections and kept track of money being spent. 

Part of the program is allowing students to see a positive experience with police officers.

“It is important to have a positive relationship with police and community members,” Cpt. Anthony Stewart said. 

Sheriff Gary Schuette was at the event helping students and taking photos. 

It took students and officers just over an hour to select gifts on Wednesday.