On the Saturday before Christmas, an unusual conglomeration of elves – as in more than 50 law enforcement officers from six local agencies – gathered at the Vero Beach Walmart to arm themselves with shopping carts and take children on a shopping spree during the annual Shop with a Cop event.
With sirens and lights, a full police escort led busses into the parking lot, where they were met by a wall of officers, all anxious to engage with the children.
The officers were deployed to assist 120 children in shopping for holiday gifts, with each child given $100 to spend and fill their carts with gifts. Many of the children also made sure to pick something up for their siblings, parents and other family members.
Officers from Fellsmere Police Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Highway Patrol, Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Sebastian Police Department and Vero Beach Police Department came out on their day off to help make the holiday a little more special.
“These guys love this program,” said IRSCO Dep. Jessica Ogonoski, noting that the time spent together helps bridge the gap between the youngsters and members of law enforcement.
“It allows the kids to see a different side of law enforcement. The only time a lot of these kids see us is when their family is in disarray or under tremendous amounts of stress in a bad situation,” said Ogonoski.
“This gives them the opportunity to meet different types of law enforcement officers and see that we’re people too. We’re human just like they are. Maybe that’s the beginning of an understanding, or a solid base for a relationship in the future. That we can be talked to, and we’re not like the scary boogie man.”
In the past, funds were raised to purchase the $100 gift cards through contributions from businesses and private citizens along with proceeds from Christmas in July held at Riverview Park.
With the threat of COVID still at the forefront this summer, organizers this year opted not to hold Christmas in July, so Shop with a Cop was funded solely through donations. Top business contributions included the Dyer Difference Award from Dyer Chevrolet, as well as donations from HBS Glass, Rollins Ranches and Starling Construction.
The Dyer folks were on hand during the shopping day, even supplementing overages so that children didn’t have to return items to the shelf.
“We went to businesses that have helped us in the past and said we need some help to make this happen this year, and they opened up their checkbooks for us,” said Ogonoski.
“We live in a really great community. These locally owned and operated businesses give back every year, consistently. It’s a wonderful thing.”
To donate toward next year’s event, visit ircsheriff.org and click on the donation tab.
Photos by Kaila Jones
