Shop With a Cop enhances the season for many

More than 80 kids are able to have a brighter Christmas this year, thanks to the annual McIntosh County Shop With a Cop program.

The 10th annual shopping spree took place last week, Monday through Thursday, spending more than $30,000 donated by compassionate people.

Each child receives about $400 worth of toys and clothes.

“The community response to this event is great. We could not do it without everyone who donates,” said Agent Kevin Branscum with the District 25 Narcotic and Violent Crime Task Force, which is part of the District Attorney’s Offices in Okmulgee and Eufaula.

Nor could it be done without dozens of lawmen from various agencies in the area who volunteer to escort the youngsters to Walmart in Checotah and Sharpe’s Department stores in Checotah and Eufaula – capping the day with a lunch of pizza at Xtreme RV in Eufaula.

Participating agencies include the McIntosh County Sheriff ’s Department, Checotah Police Department, Eufaula Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse.

Also, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, Oklahoma State Park Rangers, Oklahoma Office of the Inspector General, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, McIntosh County Emergency Management, McIntosh County Criminal Justice Center, and the McIntosh County 911 Authority.

Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to find officers to volunteer because many leave the county for better paying jobs in other jurisdictions.

“There is a critical need for officers in the county,” he said.

But those who are here are more than happy to participate.

With lights flashing and sirens blaring, the kids are driven by officers in a caravan to the various destinations.

Shop With A Cop is a program supported by many law enforcement agencies around the country.

Though the goal is to help children in need, not everyone is happy.

A few grinches complain about the use of police vehicles and the blocking of streets while kids shop for clothing and toys.

“Not a lot, but a few,” Branscum said.

Shop With a Cop began in McIntosh County in 2014.

“There were three of us who set out with a goal of raising $1,000 to take 10 kids. We should have known better because this blew up on us and the next thing we knew we were sitting on $10,000,” Branscum said.

He said the experience shows the kids a different side of lawmen.

“I can’t tell you how many times we, unfortunately, have to interact with kids as being involved, or perhaps a witness, in a criminal case which is being investigated. You might be surprised by the number of kids who only see the police when something is wrong. You might remember as a kid that one police officer that you knew by first name … imagine knowing many from across the county.”