Shop with a Cop brings early Christmas for nine children

MARSHALL, Mo. -- Wednesday evening, the Marshall Police Department hosted Shop with a Cop and appeared to have a blast with selected children this year.

Nine children eagerly waited to begin. They joked around with quick jabs, it was apparent some had met and worked with the officers in the past. They held wish lists in their hands, and some children had already priced items as to not go over their budget.

After donations, including $642 from Cargill and $500 from Walmart, each child had $140 to work with -- some carts filled up quickly while other children were more meticulous. They took officers through toy aisles, past coat racks and huddled over lip gloss in cosmetics aisles.

According to Walmart co-manager Mike Fleener, this is a way for Walmart to give back.

"It's just helping the community," Fleener said. "[We] strive for community involvement, and this is one way we can be involved every December."

As shopping teams gathered at the register, children could barely see over the tops of carts. Bloomfield's Family Restaurant later invited participating children out to dinner.

Each year, police officers shop with children to purchase items for the entire family. Wednesday marked the 17th annual Shop with a Cop event in Marshall.