DCSO’s Shop with a Cop program back for 24th year, bringing holiday cheer for less fortunate families

'I've met some wonderful kids over the years.'

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Law enforcement and children were getting in the Christmas spirit together on Wednesday for the second day of the 24th Annual Shop with a Cop event, which spans over three days.

It's a joint effort with local law enforcement agencies and local Walmart stores. A total of 92 kids will participate in the program this year.

Each student was paired with law enforcement officers, to be picked up from school, then brought to local Walmart locations. The goal of the program is to make the holidays a little bit brighter for less fortunate families. 

Kids were eager to fill their carts with gifts for their families, and then they got to have lunch with the officer, while gifts were wrapped.

Participating students are referred by the Family Access Network advocate for the schools within Deschutes County. 

"I've met some wonderful kids over the years," DCSO Lt. Bryan Husband said Wednesday. "It's just a wonderful time for them, for all of us being privileged to shop with them, and to make that connection with them."

Three Rivers School eighth-grader Ryleigh Griffin said, "I'm most excited to getting my little sister something, because I love her a lot."

I asked Griffin what she planned on getting her sister, and she said: "Stitch. Something Stitch - because I love her, and she likes Stitch."

Additional students are referred by the Central Oregon Partnership for Youth program, which helps children with incarcerated parents. 

The Shop with a Cop program is completely funded by donations from the community.