NEW MADRID, Mo. - Donations to continue the New Madrid Police Department’s annual “Shop with a Cop” will be accepted through Dec. 10.
In 2014, New Madrid Police Sgt. Dwayne Whitworth proposed the local “Shop with a Cop,” a program raising money that could be used to buy gift cards at Walmart for select local children. The gift cards would allow the children to purchase gifts that they would likely be unable to, otherwise.
As part of the program, Whitworth teamed the children with uniformed police officers, who would accompany the youngsters during their shopping spree. The officers would provide assistance in whatever form the child would need, such as pushing the basket, getting items from high shelves, giving advice or simply being there for the child.
According to Brandon Hanner, assistant chief of police with the New Madrid Police Department, the program as envisioned by Whitworth would enable the child “to leave the store with new gifts and a positive image of the law enforcement officer who helped them. The goal was simple; Help our local kids while simultaneously promoting a positive law enforcement interaction.”
After receiving approval from city leaders and the help of New Madrid County Central’s School Resource Officer Anthony Roberts, Whitworth got the program off and running. The first agency in the county to host such a program, it was a huge success, Hanner recalled.
Since then the department has continued “Shop with a Cop,” which he added not only makes the holidays brighter for the children but all those who take part.
“Each officer that participated in the program left with a positive mindset, being happy to have an opportunity to help. It wasn’t long before other area agencies implemented their own version of the program. Portageville Police Department, Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Department and Sikeston Department of Public Safety, just to name a few, currently host similar programs,” Hanner wrote in a news release.
Although Whitworth died earlier this year, Patrolman B.J. Phillips, a close friend of Whitworth’s, has taken over as the ”Shop with a Cop” chairman.
Donations can be made until Dec. 10 to be applied to the 2021 Shop with a Cop. In addition donations are accepted year-round for future programs. Donations can be made in person at the New Madrid Police Department or can be mailed to 342 US Highway 61, New Madrid, MO, 63869.
Currently, 15 area students will be selected to participate.
“We are grateful for every donation received, as we get to see first-hand the joy it brings to the children. We’ve seen kids use the money for gifts their parents may not be able to afford, buy gifts for other family members or friends, or even buy clothes and food,” Hanner said.
Also he noted officers sometimes donate extra money on the spot to help the children if their needs exceed the limits of the gift cards.
“The happiness is something experienced by all involved, which was only made possible by everyone that donated,” he said.
Hanner encouraged those who live outside of the area to inquire with their local law enforcement agency to learn if they participate in a similar program and, if so, try to donate to theirs.