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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Thirty-seven law enforcement personnel from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Corvallis Police Department and Oregon State Police participated in the 25th Annual “Shop with a Cop” event on Saturday, December 7, 2019.
Forty-two children were invited to participate through agencies including Benton County Parole and Probation and Self Sufficiency and Child Welfare offices of the Department of Human Services.
The Corvallis Fred Meyer hosted this year’s event and provided refreshments for employees, volunteers and family.
A $40.00 gift card was presented to each child to purchase gifts; although many public safety professionals dug into their own pockets to ensure the kids got what they wanted.
Some of the children are initially frightened of law enforcement. For some, the only contact they have had with law enforcement is when a parent or other family member is arrested.
Shop with a Cop gives the children an opportunity to see law enforcement officers in a different light. Not only do these children go home with a warm coat or a special toy, but also with the memory of a new friend in law enforcement.
While one might expect the kids to buy gifts for themselves, “that is often not the case,” Captain Rogers mentioned. “Many children want to buy gifts for family members.”
This program is supported entirely by donations; financial contributions are collected year-round. If you are interested in supporting, please make a check out to “The Sheriff’s Foundation – Shop with a Cop” and send it to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, 180 NW 5th St, Corvallis, OR 97330.
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