A Shop With a Cop Christmas

Sallisaw police officers participating in Shop with a Cop.

Twas the week before Christmas,

And the Sallisaw cops,

Had some money to spend

On some Sallisaw tots.

Cops and kids arrive at Walmart.

So they sprang to their sleighs,

Lights and sirens ablaze,

And took the kiddies to Walmart

To brighten their days.

Victoria Morris liked princess dolls and chose gifts for her family with the help of Officer Houston Murray

Holiday hot dogs

Started the night,

Then each cop took a child

On a trip to delight.

Twins Easton and Evan, age 5, had hard choices to make, and shopped with Officers Justin Smithson and John Owens.

Each tot got a basket

To fill up with toys

And a cop with some money

Who never said “No.”

Rosie, age 3, unloads her toys at checkout. She was assisted by Sallisaw Police Chief Terry Franklin.

Toy choices were many,

Decisions were hard.

But each child had a wish

That the cop would fulfill.

Officer Justin Smithson considers a helmet for himself but Evan thinks he is taking his! He didn’t.

At last at the checkout

The children, with glee,

Were gifted for Christmas

On a cop shopping spree.

Toys delivered!

At the end of the night

There were smiles all around.

Cause those jolly dear cops

Had done themselves proud.

The Sallisaw Police Department and Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) combined efforts Thursday evening in their Shop with a Cop program. Through fundraising efforts, the police and FOP had $150 for each child to spend on toys for themselves.

After a thrilling ride from downtown to Walmart in police vehicles, the children were first treated to a hot dog supper and gift bags by Arvest Bank and Walmart.

Then the shopping began as each officer assisted a child in choosing Christmas gifts. Although the gifts were to be for the child, some children also chose gifts for family members.

Police Chief Terry Franklin said the Shop with a Cop program in Sallisaw has been ongoing for 12 or 13 years.

“All the guys volunteer their time,” he said. “The money is raised through their fireworks stand and softball tournaments. Walmart even forgives the sales tax.

“It’s a great program,” Franklin said.

 Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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