What a day it was for over 45 Brown County kids who were chosen to be part of Shop-With-a-Cop day, on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
After enjoying a great breakfast at the Mt. Orab County Inn, compliments of the David Group, Mt. Orab, the kids headed for Hillsboro for a busy day of shopping at Walmart and several other events.
They were all accompanied by accompanied by a law enforcement officer and a chaperone.
According to Mt. Orab Police Chief Bryan Mount, this year’s Shop-With-a-Cop event was the best and most amazing of all the years that his department has been involved.
“It was a long and an outstanding day for everyone,” Chief Mount said. “I couldn’t tell you who had the most fun, the kids or the officers. What a wonderful way to get to know these kids, one-on-one, and help them see that cops are just people, people who are here to help.
“In some cases these kids don’t trust the police, but by the end of the day, they change their feelings.”
He continued, “Every dollar used for this program was raised through donations and contributions and a lot of volunteers.”
Money for the program is collected all year, and each child participating will have $500 to spend at Walmart for their families and themselves. The kids are encouraged to buy a few clothes for themselves.
The kids are also treated to a movie and the arcade at the Star Cinema which donates the movie, popcorn, pop and candy. Later the group went to lunch at Dakota’s Restaurant in Hillsboro where they enjoyed a complimentary lunch.
“After all that activity, we all travel back to the Mt. Orab Middle School where more volunteers are on hand to help wrap all the gifts,” Chief Mount said. “We didn’t get finished wrapping until 8 that night. That’s a long day for anyone. But what a wonderful day it was. I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Mount continued, “This year we raised enough money to treat 46 kids, next year I’d love to see that number 75 kids, even if we have to double up kids with officers.
“Thanks to everyone who donated to the program and know that it was greatly appreciated by all.”
Donations can be made all year long at any law enforcement agency in Brown County.