FOP members host Shop with a Cop
Over 80 children participate
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Though the county roads were snow covered and the weather was frigid, a large number of children and their parents waited patiently for the hour to arrive when they could "shop with a cop" at Alco on Saturday morning, December 10.

Officers representing Batesville, Milan, Versailles, the Sheriff's Department, and the Conservation personnel - as well as wives of the officers - arrived before 7:00 a.m. to act as hosts for the more than 80 children who would be allowed to spend $50 each for Christmas gifts.

In addition to the officers, Alco Manager Bill Morris and his staff were in place at checkout counters, and Santa Claus had arrived to distribute special suckers and sacks of candy to each girl and boy as the shopping was completed.

Tom Grills, president of the FOP, welcomed the large group and asked for a moment of silence in memory of Ray Doane, recently deceased who had been instrumental 15 years ago in getting the "Shop with a Cop" program started in Ripley County.

Officers pushed carts, held little ones in their arms, and gave guidance as the children chose their toys, clothing, or electronics. When the $50 had been spent, the officers led them to the three checkout stations and made sure they had what they wanted before turning them back over to their parents.

As Santa spoke to each and presented them with their "treats," he reminded them, "These guys (the police officers) are the best friends you have." And at that moment, no one disagreed.

In addition to the bags of candy, Alco provided an orange drink and Christmas cookies for all the early morning shoppers. "Alco treats us well with the purchases," said Grills. "We have been coming here for seven or eight years now."

Once every child had had the opportunity to shop, a drawing for special prizes took place. Winners were Rebecca Young and Kyla Napier for portable radios given by the Town of Versailles and Town Marshal David Adams; and Tember Green for the bicycle which Alco gave as a special present.

At around 8:30 a.m. the shopping was over, all had been checked out, the children were reunited with their parents, cars were loaded, and another FOP "Shop with a Cop" had proved a gigantic success.

After a photo of participating officers and Alco personnel, the officers left for a special breakfast at Bonaparte's in Napoleon that had been provided free of charge for the officers. It had been another wonderful experience - the stuff Christmas is made of - for the county's law enforcement officers and for more than 80 youngsters who now under stand what giving is all about at this wonderful season of the year.

(Writer's note: This is an assignment I volunteer for each year because it provides the best of holiday experiences. To realize how hard these "cops" have worked to raise thefunds each year that will allow needy children to have a special Christmas, and then to see them as they offer their services to help each child find the things each one wants, I have to agree with Santa: "These guys are the best friends you could have.")

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

Ripley County Reserve Deputy Steve Sullivan helps with the purchases of some children as they participated in the Shop with a Cop program on Saturday morning, December 10. The shopping took place at the Alco Store in Versailles and over 80 children participated along with a host of shopping "cops", their wives and others.