Eureka Police took 34 children from 11 area families shopping during its Shop with a Cop program this year.
Officer Jenn Werges said officers and students from her law enforcement class at South Technical High School took the children shopping Dec. 10-11 at the Eureka Walmart, 131 Eureka Towne Center Drive.
“It was a really good turnout,” Werges said. “I think a lot of officers really enjoy it. It brings a little different perspective to the job. I think it’s absolutely one of the things we look forward to.”
The shopping trips were funded by money donated by area businesses and community members to the Eureka Police Officers Support Fund, with a total of $14,000 being raised. Werges said the Culver’s restaurant donated $5,554, and the Rea family donated $5,000. Werges said the Rea family donates to Shop with a Cop every year.
“This year, we saw a real need and are so grateful to all of the individuals, families and business partners who donated to the program at our local Culver’s,” Werges said. “Thank you to the Rea family, Selbert’s Auto Body, Westfall Contracting, Realty Executives, and all of those who stepped up to financially support this program.”
Each child could spend up to $200 on toys, clothes and essential items.
Eureka Police shopped with 34 children and their families over two days at the Eureka Walmart.
After the shopping trip, the officers, students, and families went to Culver’s, 400 Meramec Blvd., for food and ice cream. Werges said eating a meal together was a great time for conversation and getting to know one another.
Some of the families have participated in the Shop with a Cop program in the past, and Werges said the children were eager to shop again.
“When the kids are told by their parents that they’re going to participate again, the parents say that’s all their kids talk about,” Werges said. “We really look forward to having that relationship and it being about them.”
Werges said her students enjoyed the volunteer activity. She began teaching a law enforcement course last year at the high school to junior and senior students in addition to her duties as a police officer.
“This is a really good community engagement part of law enforcement,” Werges said. “(The students) got to see such happiness in these kids’ eyes.”
Werges said it was a good experience for everyone involved.
“That’s what keeps everybody wanting to come back every year,” she said. “The officers and students, when they see how much fun everybody has – especially the kids – that’s what makes it so important.”