Christmas came early for a group of VIPs who received a full law-enforcement escort as they “dashed” their way up U.S. 1 to the Sebastian Walmart for the fifth annual Shop with a Cop hosted by local police departments, Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue, Highway Patrol, Railroad, Probation and Fish and Wildlife officers.
As the convoy of buses pulled up to the store, 150 local children were greeted by Walmart employees, Santa and officers standing by balloon-decorated carts.
Each child received a $100 Walmart gift card and was paired with a volunteer before making their way through the store to brighten their holidays and build positive relationships with law enforcement in the process.
Sebastian Police Commander Dan Acosta admitted that he always looks forward to seeing the joy on the children’s faces.
“It’s a great way for us to interact with the kids,” said Acosta. “They get to see us in a positive situation, not just when someone is being arrested.”
Many of the children would otherwise find nothing under the tree and, in the spirit of Christmas, most were more interested in buying gifts for family members than themselves, shopping for jewelry for their mothers, clothes and toys for siblings, and even a water purifier.
As they perused the aisles, impromptu games of basketball broke out – the officers assuring the children the balls “needed to be tested” – and more than one bicycle went zooming by (all helmeted riders, of course).
Their purchases made, the children enjoyed breakfast al fresco – consuming holiday donuts and getting better acquainted with their new officer pals.
Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputy Roberta Barker recognized the need for the program five years ago, growing it from 25 children that first year to more than 150 annually.
“These officers volunteer their time,” explained Barker. “They enjoy shopping almost as much as the children. It’s amazing to see them all come together to help.”
“We get hundreds of applications every year. Unfortunately, we can’t help everyone. We are looking for the families that aren’t going to have anything. It’s hard to believe there are so many kids in this one county that don’t have anything,” said Sebastian Police Dept. School Resource Officer Ashley Penn, who came on board the second year.
“The children are able to have a relationship with the officers they are shopping with and they are able to see that law-enforcement officers care and are human and want to do the best for the community. The children see they can come to us whenever there is something wrong; that we’re here for them.”
Indian River County children in need between the ages of 5 and 17 are identified through the schools, case workers, resource officers, nonprofit programs and law-enforcement officers, and must not have participated before. Funding comes from donations and money raised during a Christmas in July celebration at Riverview Park organized by Sebastian Police Chief Michelle Morris.
“It is heartwarming; the officers are so excited. And if someone wasn’t in the Christmas spirit, after they see the children with the officers, they’re ready for the holidays,” said Penn.
