The Winnfield City Police are calling the 18th annual “Shop with a Cop” a total success, held Saturday, December 14.  Even the weather cooperated, and the rain held off until well after the festivities.  It felt as if the entire community became participants as the number of children given a better outlook on Christmas surpassed the goal.  A Christmas was provided for 125 kids.

It’s been suggested that the name of the program should be changed, as the children were assisted in their shopping by volunteers across the community.  In addition to police officers, there were firemen, the mayor, council persons, police jury members, secretaries, jailers, 911 dispatchers, city hall employees, and Walmart associates.  

“We had special visitors this year as Santa and Mrs. Clause were present for the entire day, escorted by, I believe, two of his secret elves, Judge Keith and Mrs. Amber Gates of Winnfield,” observed Asst. Chief Charles Curry.  “Children, families and volunteers met at the Winnfield Civic Center where the children were allowed to ride fire trucks, special service vehicles and police cars.  

“They were followed by parents and friends in their cars which made for a parade that stretched for about 2 miles.  There was plenty of noise to welcome the Christmas season as sirens wailed throughout the parade.  Mr. and Mrs. Clause were in the back of Judge Gate’s truck waving at all who were watching.

“This event has always made children happy but from where I stood, I believe the adults learned just how close-knit this city is city can be.  Donations were made through the year by our own businesses and were topped off with a boot drive held in November.  The entire program is coordinated by the local non-profit organization “Operation Save a Kid.”

That organization is run by the Police Department’s Liaison Officer, Jessie Phillips, and his wife, Councilwoman Theresa Phillips.  There are many members of this organization but without these two pulling it together, it would be next to impossible to accomplish”

“This is my one pet program that I am most proud of,” stated Winnfield Chief of Police Johnny Ray Carpenter.

Curry concluded, “Each year Shop with a Cop grows just a little bigger.  At this rate, we might just have to change the name to ‘Shop with the Community.’  Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!”