As temperatures plummeted on Dec. 22 spirits soared during the third annual Erath County Shop With a Cop event in Stephenville.
Fifty Erath kids, selected by local schools, were paired with officers from every law enforcement agency in the county and taken to The Purple Goat for breakfast before being escorted to Walmart where officers escorted the youths around the store to spend $250 on clothes, shoes and a special item.
“When we walked into The Purple Goat, it was 40 degrees,” said Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray. “When we left to go to Walmart, it was 19.”
Despite the frigid temperature, it was still a special experience for all involved.
“It’s a great experience to bring Christmas to a child who wouldn’t otherwise get it,” said Ray.
The Dublin Police Chief reported that Erath resident have been very giving to the program this year, allowing officers to sponsor 50 Erath kids (14 from Dublin) and reserve some money for next year’s Shop With a Cop.
Ray said the event, which ‘strengthens the bond between local law enforcement and the community,’ wouldn’t be possible without the donors and the kid’s parents allowing them to participate.
“Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces makes it all worth it,” Ray said.
These smiles could be seen throughout Walmart on the morning of Dec.22 as kids went around selecting special items, like snacks, tablets, a laptop, hover boards and bedroom furnishings.
“We’re just extremely grateful,” said Ray of getting to share in providing a Merry Christmas for Erath kids in need.
“It was a great day for the kids as well as local law enforcement,” he added.