Students, Cops Shop For Christmas

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER Prairie Grove police officer Travis Stills helps four brothers shop for new school clothes: Brian, left, Robbie, Corey and Lance Phipps. The boys said they liked being able to pick out their own items. Prairie Grove helped 50 children this year through its Shop with a Cop program.
LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER Prairie Grove police officer Travis Stills helps four brothers shop for new school clothes: Brian, left, Robbie, Corey and Lance Phipps. The boys said they liked being able to pick out their own items. Prairie Grove helped 50 children this year through its Shop with a Cop program.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Children from Farmington, Prairie Grove and Lincoln schools once again did a little Christmas shopping with local police officers.

Police departments in the three communities sponsor Shop with a Cop programs each year and spend time with area children shopping for clothes, shoes, toys and other items at Walmart on Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Jacob Koller, 12, a sixth grader at Prairie Grove Middle School, did not know at first he was shopping with the chief of police, Chris Workman.

"Nice guy," Koller said about Workman. "They are always helping people out."

His mother, Tina Koller, said Shop with a Cop helped her this year. She is unemployed because of medical problems and said money is tight after she pays rent and bills.

"Luckily, no one goes hungry," Koller said. "This is helping to provide something for Christmas this year."

Prairie Grove has sponsored Shop with a Cop for six years, said Tim Standifer, Prairie Grove school resource officer.

"This is making sure these kids have something for Christmas and something to unwrap," Standifer said.

School counselors Angie Gill and Jennifer Weyl were at Walmart to help officers. Counselors help to identify children who will benefit from Shop with a Cop.

"Anytime you can help someone who see everyday and you know they appreciate it and need it, it's great," Weyl said.

This year, Prairie Grove Police shopped with 42 children on Dec. 6 and then later helped another eight children. Each child had $150 to spend, $100 on school appropriate clothing and the balance on other items, such as toys, necessities or more clothing.

Farmington police shopped with 25 children from 10 families on Dec. 14. Children were allotted $150, with at least $75 for clothing and $75 for toys or other items. Each child also received a new bicycle donated by Dynacraft Inc.

Chasity Hardin of Farmington said she believes Shop with a Cop provides a positive experience for children and police officers.

Janet Murphy said her grandchildren shopped this year and will be able to receive toys and clothes for Christmas because of Shop with a Cop.

"It helps kids see the friendliness of a cop," Murphy said.

Chad Parrish, school resource officer, said Farmington has sponsored its own program since 2007. Prior to that, Farmington participated as part of the area Fraternal Order of Police program. He said school counselors help identify children who need help at Christmas. In addition, parents or others can submit an application, requesting to participate in the program.

"It's Christmas time and everyone deserves a Christmas," Parrish said.

Detective William Redfern added, "It's an opportunity to give back to the community."

Tony Lee, Lincoln assistant police chief, said officers shopped with about 10 children Thursday evening. Each child had $150 to spend on clothing, other needs and toys.

Lee said Lincoln usually has more children for its Shop with a Cop program but more were helped out by the school this year.

"I enjoy this probably more than any other stuff I do out there," said Lee, who has organized the program for five years. "Helping kids who need something and seeing the smiles on their families, that makes it worth it."

All three departments expressed appreciation to organizations, businesses and individuals who donated to this year's Shop with a Cop program.

General News on 12/24/2014