Participating children were nominated by staff from Battle Ground Public Schools and by members of the police department

Shop with a Cop event has been a favorite of the Battle Ground Police Department since 2014.  For the last nine years, the Battle Ground Police Department has teamed up with the Battle Ground Walmart store to host Shop with a Cop offering an opportunity to spread some holiday cheer with local children.    

On Saturday (Dec. 9), 14 of Battle Ground’s finest had the pleasure of accompanying 20 local children on a shopping spree as they bought gifts for their loved ones and items for themselves.  Participating children were nominated by staff from Battle Ground Public Schools and by members of the police department.

Battle Ground’s annual Shop with a Cop would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Walmart Foundation who, this year alone, provided a $2,000 grant to fund the program.  In addition, Walmart supplied refreshments, favor bags, a gift-wrapping station, and several volunteers, some even wearing festive costumes.

Adding to the joy of this year’s event were the volunteers from Battle Ground Senior Citizens, Inc. This incredible group not only donated but they too volunteered to assist the officers and children as they shopped and wrapped their gifts.  

“Ten volunteers assisted on the day of the event, however our entire board and all of our members felt very strongly about getting involved to support this program,” said Lori Lindberg, board advisor with Battle Ground Senior Citizen, Inc.  “Several of our members personally donated funds to the event to help make this a special Christmas for the children. Christmas should be about the children… and seniors.”

“Events like Shop with a Cop represent the best part of police work,” said Battle Ground Police Chief Mike Fort.  Chief Fort continued, “We [police officers] get into this career with the hope of making a positive impact on the communities we serve.  I cannot think of a more positive impact than building trust and a sense of community in our next generation of citizens.”

Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.