For hours on a recent Saturday, hundreds of kids prowled the aisles at the Keizer Target store, with law enforcement officers in tow.
They were all participating Saturday, Dec. 13, in what is reported to be the largest Shop with a Cop event in the U.S.
The event is orchestrated by a local nonprofit, Believe in Your Community.
Walt Schulz, organization president, said an estimated 820 children participated. Officers from nearly every law enforcement agency in Marion County participated. That included agency leaders such as Keizer Police Chief Andrew Copeland and Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack.
The children were suggested by local nonprofits and police agencies.
The children, many accompanied by family members, arrived at the Keizer store as a line of officers waited inside to be paired up. The shopping partners then moved through the store, with each child allocated $60 to spend.
Schulz said the event is intended to give children a chance to get a present for themselves that they probably wouldn’t otherwise get.
However, he said the children often shop for their family as well.
“Kids are very sensitive to family needs,” Schulz said.
One child bought a key and mouse for his mother so she could look for a job, Schulz said.
He said children often seek out basic food supplies to buy for home. He said his organization steps in to help with that so the children can use their $60 for gifts.
Funding for the program comes from local donors, primarily businesses.
Schulz said officers volunteer their time for the event. He said one Silverton Police Department officer shared that this was his 29th year with Shop with a Cop.
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