INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Nearly two dozen children were given VIP treatment at the Vero Beach Walmart this week, selected to participate in the inaugural Shop with a Cop event with deputies from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. Armed with gift cards and balloon-decorated shopping carts, the children wound their way through the store, searching for their desired items.
“It’s overwhelming,” said 13-year-old Natalie Magadan of being given the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping. “It’s too much pressure!”
Magadan shopped with Lt. Tony Consalo, who has a daughter her age.
“It’s just a wonderful experience,” the lieutenant said of being able to share the moment with Magadan.
The teen, like many of the other 22 children, planned on picking up gifts for siblings and parents – not just filling the cart with things for themselves.
“It made me proud,” Lt. Consalo said of hearing Magadan’s shopping game plan.
Magadan said it was nice to know she would be able to get something for her family this year.
Fellow 13-year-old Luther Stinson, who was shopping with 911 operator Pamela Metzdorf, felt the same way.
With two little brothers, an older sister, and both parents – he knew he was going to have make smart selections.
“They’re going to be surprised,” Stinson said.
He said he would not have been able to buy gifts for his family if not for being selected to take part in the Shop with a Cop program.
“I love to make people happy,” the teen said.
Community leaders and law enforcement officers selected the families based on their knowledge of the families’ needs.
“I know everyone’s excited,” Sheriff Deryl Loar said before the kids and their parents got on a school bus requisitioned specifically for the purpose of transporting them from the Sheriff’s Office to Walmart. “You’re going to have a great time.”
For at least 25 years, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office has been raising money through its Gifts of Generosity program to help make holidays a bit brighter for children and their families.
Through the program, a grant from Walmart and donations for various communities, the Sheriff’s Office was able to jumpstart its own Shop with a Cop event.
It wouldn’t have been possible without Walmart Store Manager Mark Rogers, though, according to Sheriff’s Deputy Teddy Floyd.
“All thanks go to Walmart,” Deputy Floyd said. “They lead by example.”
“It’s about kids and our officers,” Rogers said of the program. He later explained that he has been involved with the program at other stores for years and had hoped to start the annual event in Indian River County.
“We’re just glad we can help out,” he said.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Nancy McNally said participating in the Shop with a Cop event was a special treat for her – giving her an experience she wouldn’t have had otherwise.
“I don’t have kids, so this is awesome,” she said. “I get to experience Christmas through children’s eyes.”
Once the children made their way through the checkout, they stood in front of the store beaming with excitement that they would be able to surprise their families with gifts.
“Look at the smiles on these kids,” Deputy Floyd said. “That’s worth a million bucks.”
Rogers, standing beside the deputy agreed, adding, “Look at the smiles on the deputies. That’s also worth a million bucks.”
Rogers and Deputy Floyd said they would like to expand the event next year and would encourage businesses, neighborhood associations, civic groups and individuals to get in touch with the Sheriff’s Office to find out how they can support it.
The Sheriff’s Office can be reached by phone at (772) 569-6700.