Families feel 'holiday spirit' during Midwest City Shop with a Cop
MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR) – It was a merry and bright Sunday morning for many children and their families in Midwest City.
They gathered at the Walmart on 23rd and Douglas for the annual Shop with a Cop program with Midwest City Police.
The department has partnered with Walmart for 28 years to supply gifts for children in the area.
"Whatever it is that they want. They get $100," said one officer instructing groups before they set off down the aisles.
Each child picked out toys and other supplies they had marked on their holiday wish list.
“I got a Harry Potter wand," said one young girl.
Another boy picked out a Spiderman Nerf gun, while his sister grabbed a package of Kinetic sand.
In this season of giving, the program has been a way for law enforcement to give back to its community. Sgt. Donnell Smith has been participating in the Shop with a Cop program at Midwest City since it started. For him, this day is priceless.
"It's what we've signed up for,” said Smith. “I love it. I love it. Love giving back to the community."
Walmart donated $5,000 towards this year’s event. The Midwest City location has given $140,000 to the program over 28 years.
"When you see children come in and buy things that they need, you know, clothing. It's sad to see that they need groceries, but some of them come in and buy groceries and hygiene products,” said Lareeca Gray, People Lead at Walmart. “It's not always just about toys. It's good to see that it's a helpful thing for all directions." If you would like to donate to the Shop with a Cop program at Midwest City, you can call the police department.