The Jeffco Shop with a Cop program provided more than 500 local children in need with Christmas gifts to brighten their holiday season, said Festus Police Sgt. Jessica Griffaw, the president of the Jeffco Shop with a Cop Board of Directors.
That was about 100 more children than the program served the previous year, she said.
“This is a record-breaking year for Jeffco Shop with a Cop,” Griffaw said.
For this year’s event, police officers and other first responders accompanied the children on a pair of shopping sprees – one on Dec. 6 when 244 children were taken shopping at the De Soto Walmart and another on Dec. 8 when 264 children were treated to a shopping spree at the Twin Cities Walmart.
“Not only did we shop for over 500 children, (but) we were also able to give them $125 (each to shop with), which was an increase from $100 – what we used to give them.”
First responders from 27 agencies accompanied the children on the shopping trips, creating a memorable experience for both sides.
“I’m not sure who has more fun – the kids who are getting their toys or the first responders,” Griffaw said. “We have first responders who ride bikes around the store, and we have first responders who dress up like the Grinch (to) play with the kids and have a good time.”
She said the first responders also find the event touching.
“We had a child who was very excited to be there, but she was adamant that she needed to buy groceries,” Griffaw said. “It was very hard to convince her that we’re here to get toys (and that) we want you to have fun things that you can play with.
“So, the first responders purchased the groceries for her so she could still get toys for herself. And the reason I tell this story is it shows just how selfless these children are, and how at such a young age (they’re) prioritizing needs over wants.”
As someone who lived in a foster home growing up, Griffaw said this program has special meaning for her.
“This program is personal to me because of how I spent a lot of my childhood,” she said. “When I see first responders really showing their hearts in what they’re doing for these kids, it just makes me feel good that there’s so much support and belief in this program. We’re not just firefighters, police officers, paramedics (and) dispatchers, we really, truly care about our community.”
The event would not be possible without a monumental fundraising effort, Griffaw said.
The program brought in about $120,000 this year, about twice what was raised the previous year, she said.
“I cannot thank the community enough for their support,” Griffaw said. “Without their support, this organization would not be where it is. Without people believing in us, it wouldn’t be where it’s at. I truly have no words for how thankful I am for their support.”
Griffaw said many groups hold fundraising events throughout the year to benefit the Jeffco Shop with a Cop program, including the Meramec-Arnold Elks’ first-ever Designer Bag Bingo. That event brought in more than $28,000, the largest fundraiser in the program’s history, according to Detective Sgt. Lewis Pippen, the vice president of the Jeffco Shop with a Cop Board of Directors.
“It was a great success, so we believe that’s going to be another annual event,” Griffaw said.
During this year’s shopping trips, Griffaw noticed a unique trend – more children wanting to buy necessities than toys.
Jeffco Shop with a Cop serves children from the 11 public school districts in Jefferson County, Griffaw said.
The organization works in partnership with the schools and school counselors to help select the children in need.
“We’re looking for underprivileged children, and (counselors) know what that demographic is,” Griffaw said.
The police, fire and emergency service agencies that participated in the 2022 Jeffco Shop with a Cop program included the Crystal City, De Soto, Festus, Herculaneum, Hillsboro and Pevely police departments and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson College Police Department, the Jefferson College Law Enforcement Academy and Jefferson County 911 Dispatch; as well as the Antonia, De Soto Rural, Dunklin, Hematite, Hillsboro, Goldman, Mapaville and Jefferson R-7 fire protection districts; the Crystal City, Festus, De Soto and Herculaneum fire departments; and the Joachim-Plattin, Rock Township and Valle Ambulance districts. In addition, the Dunklin R-5 School District, which has its own police department, and Survival Flight participated in the program.
Griffaw said other members of the Jeffco Shop with a Cop Board of Directors include Jeffco 911 Accreditation and PR manager Angela Edmond (treasurer), Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mary Forler (secretary), Festus Police Department Dispatcher Travis Beyers (board member) and Herculaneum Police Department Capt. Mark Grove (board member).
Jeffco Shop with a Cop has already begun its fundraising efforts for next year, emphasizing the year-round effort that it takes to run the program, Griffaw said.
To donate or for more information, visit the Jeffco Shop with a Cop Facebook page.