La Grande’s Shop with a Cop makes Christmas memories for 15 local kids
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, December 18th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ISLAND CITY – The sound of laughter, the smell of pizza, and the unmistakable beeping of the checkout counter filled the air Thursday afternoon as the 15th annual La Grande Shop with a Cop got underway. Kids from across the La Grande School District teamed up with members of local law enforcement, along with other volunteers, to go on the most memorable shopping experience of the year, loading up on all sorts of Christmas goodies for their families.
In total, 15 students, selected from 1st through 6th grade classes across the La Grande School District participated this year. Kids were given $200 dollars to Christmas shop for their families at Walmart in Island City. Volunteers included members of the La Grande Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Walmart staff, and other citizen volunteers.
The kids arrived at 11:00 a.m. to a waiting, and partially frozen, crowd of officers and volunteers. After pairing everyone up, it was off to the races, with kids and officers dispersing throughout the store. Many made a beeline for the toy aisles while others went to load up on holiday treats or find some Christmas clothes.
Sophie, a 4th grader, was on the hunt for hot tamales with Trooper Jederberg at the time. When asked if she was having fun shopping with Jederberg, she gave a heartwarmingly enthusiastic “YES!” She gave an equally energetic response when she found out she’d be part of a news story. Aside from the tamales, Sophie was also happy with the new Grinch socks she’d bought for her sister, Kinsey.
Clothes turned out to be a popular pick. 6th Graders Garrett and Violet, paired with Trooper Delatori and Sherrif’s Corporal Hannah Philips respectively, were each shopping for clothes for their families. As the kids also got to pick a couple things for themselves, Violet was on the lookout for a Meemeow plushie.
Over in the toy aisle, things were getting exciting. Down one aisle, 5th Grader Zach, shopping with Sargent Perry of the LGPD, was picking out toys for his brother, including some nerf guns. In another isle, 3rd grader Kiyla, paired with La Grande Police Chief Gary Bell, was excitedly picking out things for her sister, explaining:
“My favorite thing is my sister’s American Girl doll that I got her, and Minecraft stuff, wrestling toys, baby toys, and makeup!”
It wasn’t just the kids having fun either, as smiles were practically plastered across every volunteer. When asked if she was enjoying Shop with a Cop so far, Corporal Philips said, “Yes, this is my favorite event of the year. I love doing it.”
Back at the front of the store, register 14, decorated to an unmistakable degree, stayed busy as kids and law enforcement checked out their Christmas haul. Overseeing the operation, Walmart manager Tina Bardwell gave her thoughts on Shop with a Cop, stating:
“It’s cute, we had Santa out there with us today. A cute little girl ran up and grabbed him and gave him a big old hug. I’m going to say my favorite thing is to see the kids’ faces. They just light up and are just so excited about it. It makes the day absolutely perfect. This is all about kids.”
Past register 14, in a separate room near the front, an army of volunteers worked tirelessly to wrap the influx of gifts in addition to preparing a proper Christmas feast of pepperoni pizza for lunch. Volunteer Rick Nebeker, along with his Wife Sally, and fellow volunteer Mike Hovde, were on pizza duty at the time. The three have been volunteering for years, with Mike starting back as far as 2012. When asked what their favorite part of Shop with a Cop was, Rick rather bluntly remarked, “probably feeding their faces!”
Lunchtime also meant gift time as the kids received a backpack full of goodies, including something extra for their parents/guardians. Eventually, all the gifts were wrapped, all packs handed out, and another round of memories made. When it was time to go, kids were given a ride home by officers.
Shop with a Cop wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community. For those interested in donating or volunteering for next year’s Shop with a Cop, reach out to Erin Dickhausen at the La Grande Police Department during weekdays.
