Shop with a Cop is just around the corner and Dublin PD along with other Erath County law enforcement agencies are seeking donations.
For those unfamiliar with the program, all Erath County law enforcement agencies team up to take up to 50 kids across the county for a Christmas outing consisting of breakfast at the Purple Goat, a ride with lights and sirens from the eatery to Walmart and then a $350 shopping spree. Those kids are divided up from all of Erath County’s schools and law enforcement agencies.
Ten Dublin kids will be participating in this year’s event slated for Monday, Dec. 22 and it’s the sixth year for Dublin PD to participate in the program.
“It’s a great experience with everything involved. I’ve tried to put into words the feeling it gives you, but I can’t. Every year we leave the event speechless and our hearts filled with joy. It is a great reminder that there is some good in this world,” Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray said.
Detective Nanci Wilson previously said the program helps to develop a strong relationship with the future of the community.
During the shopping spree, kids are allowed to purchase whatever they want and many use the funds to purchase items for their parents or siblings.
Some of those gifts have even included items such as a microwave to ensure their family would have an easier way to cook food.
Ray said the whole experience is extremely heartwarming and that they are able to give the kids an experience they may not have ever had before including riding in a police car with lights and sirens.
“We have been so blessed by the donations,” he said. “We have great supporters and they are excited to donate to the program each and every year.”
Those wanting to donate can make a donation at First Financial Bank – Shop with a Cop, Dublin Police Department, Stephenville Police Department, Tarleton State University Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Erath County Sheriff’s Office or Venmo.
“The generosity of our communities and county is unbelievable!! This year we are able to increase the spending for each of our 50 kids from $250 to $350. A huge shout out to Walmart for not only their annual donation but their staffs support and hard work to make this happen,” Stephenville Police Chief Dan Harris said.
Walmart- Stephenville recently made a $5,000 grant to the Erath County Shop with a Cop program.