‘Shop with a Cop’ event brings holiday cheer in Cleveland
Local law enforcement members, including Courtney Lee (front) of the Liberty County Pct. 6 Constable’s Office, helped children and their families pick out gifts during the annual ‘Shop With a Cop’ event at Cleveland Wal-Mart on Dec. 8. Courtesy photo
Local law enforcement officers were in good cheer as they prepared to help local children pick out gifts during the annual ‘Shop With a Cop’ event at Cleveland Wal-Mart. Courtesy photo
CLEVELAND — Members of local law enforcement helped spread holiday cheer during the annual ‘Shop With a Cop’ event. The event was held on Friday, Dec. 8 at Cleveland Wal-Mart and allowed more than 50 local youngsters the opportunity to choose gifts with the help of a $50 gift card, all while accompanied by a local officer.
The officer walked along with them throughout the store, providing them with the unique opportunity to pick out gifts for the holidays and get to know more about members of local law enforcement.
While the holiday season is a time of great cheer, it often also puts added financial strain on parents and families as they strive to make the Christmas season bright for everyone in their household. The ‘Shop With a Cop’ event helps alleviate some of this strain.
It also helps foster positive relationships between local law enforcement and community members, all while helping provide children with a greater understanding of the law enforcement profession.
Various law enforcement agencies participated in the event, including the Cleveland Police Department, the Liberty County Sheriff ’s Office, the Pct. 6 Constable’s Office, Texas DPS and the Liberty County Fire Marshal’s Office, among other neighboring agencies.
While a few children went a little above their $50 gift card limit, the officers accompanying them paid the difference.
Liberty County Pct. 6 Constable Zack Harkness was among those in attendance and stated that the heartwarming initiative would not be possible without the generous support of local charities and donors.
“The Pct. 6 Constable’s Office was proud to participate in this community building event,” said Harkness, adding that it was important to members of the Constable’s Office to engage with young community members in a positive and festive atmosphere such as this one. “ Officers had the unique opportunity to assist children in selecting and purchasing holiday gifts, fostering a sense of comaraderie and goodwill between law enforcement and the community they serve” The ‘ Shop With a Cop’ event was first coordinated at Cleveland Wal-Mart in 2015 and Wal-Mart associates have helped officers in their mission to spread joy during the event and the holiday season.
“In the true spirit of unity and community involvement, the event at Cleveland Wal- Mart showcased the positive impact that can be achieved when law enforcement and the community come together,” said Harkness. “The Pct. 6 Constable’s Office extends it’s heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to making the event a success, ensuring that the holiday season is brighter for children in our local community.”