On Dec. 3, 10 of Battle Ground’s finest had the pleasure of accompanying 19 area children on a shopping spree as they bought gifts for their loved ones and items for themselves

For the last eight years, the Battle Ground Police Department has teamed up with the Battle Ground Walmart store to host Shop with a Cop. 

On Saturday, December 3, 10 of Battle Ground’s finest had the pleasure of accompanying 19 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.

The giving didn’t stop there, Battle Ground Senior Citizens, Inc. also donated and volunteered to lend a helping hand at this year’s event.  

“This group is always looking for ways to give back to their community,” said Lori Lindberg, Board Advisor with Battle Ground Senior Citizen, Inc. “When one of our members suggested we ask about getting involved with Shop with a Cop, we were all in!  It was incredible to see the officers and kids interacting with one another, building friendships, it was so heartwarming!”

“Our department looks forward to Shop with a Cop every year,” said Battle Ground Police Lt. Kim Armstrong, who has participated in every Shop with a Cop event to date. “This event gets better every year thanks to the support and generosity of our community.  To see the kids enjoying themselves and knowing we got to be a part of that joy will be something I will always treasure.”

Information provided by city of Battle Ground.