Bartlett K-9 officer Tony Webb and 9-year-old Alayna Blair share a laugh as she picks out a brand new bike for Christmas. Forty-four children were served by the annual Christmas shopping spree during “Cops and Kids,” a program through the Memphis and Shelby County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35. Each child got to shop with an officer to make a difficult holiday season special.
By Brian Bloom
Regional Manager
Forty-four children had a law enforcement officer on their tail Saturday, but all with smiles upon their faces.
“Cops and Kids,” formerly called Shop with a Cop, provided nearly $150 worth of toys and games to children that may not have had a Christmas without some help.
Sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35 of Memphis and Shelby County, Cops and Kids took youth through aisle after aisle of Barbies and bikes, games and gear.
“Some of the kids we knew about,” spokesperson Bobby Simmons explained about how children were chosen. “Some of the kids were told to us by people we know and respect. This isn’t about background checks; this is about helping out family and children that need help at Christmas.”
This was also about smiles, and they were equally shared by cops and kids alike. Children could be seen carefully studying each possible purchase, measuring which toy would be most special this season.
Some wanted to provide for their brothers and sisters, others questioned if they could get something for mom. All left with shopping carts full and satisfied smiles.
Law enforcement officers from Shelby County Sheriff’s office, the Bartlett Police Department, Memphis Police Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol participated in the annual event.
Kayla Bunnell and Officer Jason Jackson look through the selection at Bartlett’s Walmart Saturday. Cops and Kids – formerly Shop with a Cop, provided presents for 44 young people in the annual event.
