Shop with a Cop event strengthens community bonds in Baker City

By Joe Hathaway on Monday, December 11th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER CITY — In a heartwarming display of community engagement, the Baker City Police Department, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police teamed up with local kids and a business for the annual “Shop with a Cop” event.

The event, held this past weekend at D&B Supply, aimed to foster positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the community while spreading holiday cheer.

Around 20 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from schools around Baker were chosen to participate by teachers and administrators.

Each kid was given $100 to shop for their families and teamed up with a law enforcement officer to help them out.

“I’m shopping for my sisters, and I bet I’ll get them something better than they’ll get me,” said Nathan.

“I’m just sooooo happy to have been chosen and to be here!” said Varian.

“I’m super excited to be shopping for my family and my officer is very nice and helpful,” said Summer. “I made a new friend today!”

This is the first time since COVID that Baker City has held this event. It’s paid for by donations from community members and local businesses.

“We do this for the kids. There’s those kids out there who don’t have positive interaction with law enforcement and this is a way we can do that,” said Sgt. Wayne Chastain of the Baker City Police Department. “That’s why I’m super excited to see this program back up and running for our local kids and community.”