The Jacksboro Police Department’s annual Shop with a Cop program is just around the corner.

In its 20th year “Shop with a Cop” provides Christmas presents for local elementary school children.

“The Shop with a Cop program is a non- profit, completely donation driven operation,” JPD Det. Pam Wright said. “All donations go straight to the children.”

TOP PHOTO:  Jacksboro Chief of Police Danny Chapman (L) with Jerri Starrett.  Starrett is the widow of JPD Detective Mike Starrett.  Shop with a Cop was Starrett’s passion.

While donations are accepted all year, the next two weeks are the busiest ones for the program. Between gathering donations, selecting children and organizing the shopping nights, the JPD is working nonstop to make the event happen. And while JPD Chief Danny Chapman, Wright and the other officers are working on these items, they also know none of it would be possible without the help of the community.

“It can’t be done without them,” Wright said.

Shop with a Cop is a community event.

Each year, elementary age students are selected by school staff from all of the county’s elementary schools to take part in the shopping. Once the names are submitted to the JPD, they go to work finding officers who will come in uniform and shop with the children.

Last year, 400 children shopped with a cop. It is a number that grows each year.

Armed with pen and paper, officers keep a running total of what the children are purchasing until they reach their $75 limit.

“We make sure the kids get something they really want,” she said.

Donations are accepted even while the shopping is happening. However, donations ahead of time are also welcomed.

Anyone wishing to donate can call the JPD at 423-562-9312. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/05/2018-6AM)

 

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