Annual Shop with a Cop, a merry event for 71 children
Published 1:26 pm Friday, December 8, 2023
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BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR CORRESPONDENT
Santa came a little early for 71 kids who participated in the 2023 Shop with a Cop event which was held at the Elizabethton Walmart on Wednesday evening.
Several law enforcement agencies participated in helping children shop for themselves with a $200 gift card provided for each child as a result of fundraising efforts such as the sale of T-shirts, an event sponsored by the Kingsport Motor Speedway with proceeds going to helping the children, and donations from individuals, churches, and the Carter County Car Club.
This year’s event was nearly double last year’s as in 2022 there were 37 kids who were served compared to the 71 this year. Donations in 2022 were $6,000 while the 2023 total exceeded $12,000.
Prior to shopping, the children were treated to a pizza party at the Elizabethton High School Commons Area where they enjoyed pizza, chips, cake, and drinks. The time also gave the officers time to meet the children they would be shopping with.
They were escorted to the Walmart by law enforcement vehicles with blue lights flashing in a pair of school buses provided by the Elizabethton school system.
Needless to say, the excitement was evident not only from the children but those officers who took the time to help them pick out everything from clothes, shoes, coats, skateboards, dolls, Legos, and much more.
