The numerous police cars, firetrucks and other emergency vehicles parked in front of the Festus and De Soto Walmart stores last week did not mean trouble.
Those first responders were at the stores for this year’s Jeffco Shop with a Cop program, which provided about 600 local children in need with the chance to shop for Christmas gifts.
The first responders accompanied the children during their shopping sprees, including one on Dec. 10 at the Festus Walmart and another on Dec. 12 at the De Soto Walmart.
Each of the children who participated received a $150 gift card to spend on Christmas gifts for themselves.
The program serves children in kindergarten through sixth grade enrolled in Jefferson County public school districts. School counselors help choose the children for the program.
Festus Police Capt. Lewis Pippin, treasurer of the Jeffco Shop with a Cop program, said more than 30 Jefferson County emergency response agencies participated this year by helping raise money for the shopping sprees and helping the children as they shopped for gifts.
“When all is said and done, we are giving out about $90,000 in gift cards,” Pippin said Dec. 10. “This will be our biggest event to date. “We raise the money through fundraising events during the year and public donations, raffles.”
On the shopping days, a variety of other activities were held. People dressed as Christmas characters, and the children were served snacks. Jeffco Shop with a Cop representatives set up a table where they accepted donations and sold shirts and other items to raise money for future Shop with a Cop shopping days.
Youngsters who got to shop on Dec. 10 beamed as they filled carts with toys and other items.
“I’m excited,” said Jack Baxter, 8, a Crystal City Elementary student. “I’m having fun.”
The first responders who escorted the children during the shopping spree seemed equally thrilled.
Crysal City Police Detective Eddie Robinson, who shopped with Jack, said he looks forward to the Shop with a Cop shopping days.
“This is probably the best day of the year,” Robinson said. “Just to be able to build relationships with the kids is pretty cool. The first responders have a great day shopping with the kids and helping the kids have a merry Christmas.”
Jefferson Countian Gregory Budt, a special agent with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency who is on temporary assignment in Washington, D.C., returned home to participate in the Jeffco Shop with a Cop shopping event.
“I flew back because this is so important to me, to see that the kids in need are taken care of for Christmas,” Budt said. “I’m from this area and my family lives in this area.”
Crystal City Fire Chief Tony Bova said his department has long participated in Jeffco Shop with a Cop.
“I think it’s one of the best things you can do for these kids,” Bova said. “You have a lot of interaction with them. They’re very grateful.”
Festus Police Chief Doug Wendel agreed.
“Best day of the year,” he said.
Kelly Ruckman, a Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District paramedic, said she has taken part in the program for about a decade.
“Every year it’s fun to shop with the little ones,” she said.
Tabitha Werner, a mom attending the event with her sons, Mordecai and Elliot, who are Crystal City Elementary students, said she appreciates the program.
“I think it’s great, providing for all the kids who might not have the opportunity to have Christmas at home,” she said.
Another mother, Sarah Wilson, said she was glad her daughter, Skylar, got to participate.
“I’m very grateful,” Wilson said. “It’s like organized chaos. The kids enjoy it.”
Crystal City Police Capt. Mike Pruneau helped Ryleigh Miller, 8, of Jefferson R-7’s Plattin Primary School shop.
Ryleigh said he appreciated Pruneau’s help.
“I’m enjoying this,” he said. “It’s fun to be with Capt. Pruneau.”
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Andrew Godi said he was having a good time at the event.
“It’s my first time,” Godi said. “I think it’s great for the kids, and it’s good for all the officers and other first responders.”
Another first-timer, Sgt. Zach Kral of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said he appreciated the opportunity to take part.
“I absolutely enjoy doing this,” Kral said. “I’m the (MSHP) sergeant for Jefferson County.”
Pippin noted that the first responders not only donate their time to the effort, but also some of their own money.
“The kids get the $150 gift cards, but if they go over the $150, the responders (they shop with) are responsible for the overage. Typically, collectively, everybody pays the $2,000 overage.”
For more information or to contribute to the program, visit the Jeffco Shop with a Cop Facebook page.
Jeffco Shop with Cop 2024
First responders gather outside Walmart for a group photo of all the volunteers for Shop with a Cop 2024.
Riley Davis, 7, of Crystal City has time to visit with Santa Claus before shopping with a cop begins.
Monica Broombaugh of Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District with the Grinch and Jason Smith, 9, of Crystal City.
Cpl. Jeremy Meyers with Crystal City Police shops with Zelma Bono, 9, of Crystal City.
Officer Cox of Pevely Police Department is shopping with Zoey Kennedy, 10, a fifth grader at Crystal City School District.
Lola Kennedy, 7, shops with Lexis Wilson, left, and Ashton Crance from the Department of Conservation.
Deputy Kenny paramedic with Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District is shops with Zeke, 9, of Crystal City.
Kai Lutker, 5, of Crystal City and Deputy Andrew Godi with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office peruse the aisle at the Jeffco Shop with a Cop event.
Zack Morak, 8, of Crystal City with Scooby Doo at Jeffco Shop with a cop.
Riley Davis, 7, of Crystal City shops with Officer Wiskirchen from the Crystal City Police Department.
Grimace from McDonald’s and Wyatt Mueller, 6, shop with Jeff Ussery, a DEA special agent.
Malakai Goodwin, 7, of Crystal City checks out items at the Festus-Crystal City Walmart with Officer Michele Mesiano of the De Soto Police Department.
Avianna Rubio, 8, of Crystal City shops with Kelly Ruckman, a paramedic from the Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District.
Lovella Hanson, 7, from the Jefferson R-7 area shops with Officer Scott from the Jefferson County Sheriff Department.
Jensen Morris, 7, from the Jefferson R-7 area shops with Nichole O’Harver and Amy Brielmaier from Jefferson County 911 Dispatch.
Skylar Wilder, 4, shops with Rich Wichman from Jeffco 911.
Amelia Leseman, 4, from the Jefferson R-7 area shops with firefighter Shawn Keim from Saline Valley.
A’khyla McKinney, 9, from the Jefferson R-7 area shops with Jackie Golterman from the Jefferson County Juvenile Office.