Shop With A Cop

Shop With A Cop

“Spending time with a cop.” – Savannah
“Getting toys!” – Aiden
“Candy!” – Kayla 

These are just some of the things the kids who lined up for this year’s “Shop with a Cop” were excited about. Every December Benton County Sheriff’s Office members partner with other law enforcement agencies to make the holidays a little brighter for children in our community who would otherwise go without. Deputies take the children shopping for toys, clothing, and gifts. The kids arrive early on the designated “Shop with a Cop” day to walk the store aisles with Deputies from Patrol, Corrections, and Parole & Probation, City Police Officers, and State Troopers.

Children Identified by Case Workers

Case workers with the Self Sufficiency Office and the Child Welfare Office of the Department of Human Services identify the children to participate in the event. Some of the children are initially frightened of law enforcement. For some, the only contact they have had with law enforcement is when a parent or other family member is arrested. “Shop With A Cop” gives the children an opportunity to see law enforcement officers in a different light. Usually by the time they are done shopping, the children are no longer scared of people in uniform.

Donations allow us to give Deputies or Officers a gift card to use for each child. Frequently the Deputies and Officers dig into their own pocket to pay for items that go above the card limit.

Not only do these children go home with a warm coat or a special toy, but also with the memory of a new friend in law enforcement.

Donate

This program is supported entirely by donations. In 2019 donations were received from Walmart, K-Mart, the Corvallis Police Officer Association, the Benton County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Reserves, and from many individuals. A big thank you to all who donated!

Contributions are collected year-round. If you are interested in donating, please make out a check to “The Sheriff’s Foundation – Shop With A Cop” and send it to:

Benton County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Shop With A Cop
180 NW 5th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330