VIENNA, W.Va. — This past weekend, Vienna, along with neighboring towns in the Mid-Ohio Valley, transformed into a festive shopping spree for children during the annual Shop With A Cop events. These shopping excursions, hosted by various local police departments, aimed to strengthen community ties and provide support to underprivileged children during the holiday season.
In Vienna and Parkersburg, the effort was spearheaded by the Fraternal Order of Police Blennerhassett Lodge 79, which organized these events at two major shopping locations. According to volunteer Laurea Ellis, the initiative aimed to foster a positive perception of law enforcement and involved considerable planning and community support.
"The goal was to project a better image of law enforcement," Ellis explained. She noted that the chosen children were often those who had previously experienced negative interactions with police. This year alone, over a hundred elementary school-aged children participated, each granted $150 to select gifts of their choosing, boosting the festive spirit.
The event not only brought joy to the children but also served as a significant community-building exercise. Vienna Police Detective and Lodge President Ryan Black emphasized the collective effort that made the event possible, praising the volunteers, local law enforcement, and Walmart, which provided venue and contributions like snacks and stockings stuffed with toys.
One touching moment highlighted was when young participants, adorned with festive reindeer antlers, roamed the aisles with officers by their sides. Sergeant Fred Cochran and his wife, Sierra Cochran, were particularly noticed for their involvement, helping children like 5-year-old Eden Wyer pick out favorite toys, including a sought-after Bluey set and a bike, fostering a festive mood.
The community effort extended beyond just Vienna and Parkersburg. In Marietta, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Marietta Police conducted their events, focusing on both the festive fun and practical needs such as providing winter clothing. These efforts were supported by different Fraternal Order of Police lodges, showcasing a broad community commitment to the cause.
Sgt. Tyson Estes of the Marietta Police highlighted his experience of shopping with a lively 7-year-old girl, reflecting on the unique joys of helping children select toys, something outside of his typical policing duties. "To just see a kid having a great day and knowing you’re responsible for it is awesome," Estes remarked, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many officers involved in these events.
The Shop With A Cop initiative demonstrates the potential for law enforcement to engage positively with community members, shaping perceptions and making tangible differences in the lives of young participants. As the holiday season progresses, the impact of such events resonates not just through the gifts given but through the goodwill and festive cheer that are spread.
This article was generated with the assistance of automation by OpenAI. Details, such as names and events, are provided for contextual understanding and may not be entirely accurate. For corrections or removals, please contact [email protected].