Shop With a Cop seeks donations, nominations

As winter clouds roll in, another type of shadow begins to hover over families throughout Clarke County. The holidays are fast approaching, and some parents already know there won’t be enough money for presents this year.

Clarke County law enforcement officers have a plan to alleviate some of that holiday stress and build stronger community bonds -- but they’ll need help to make it work.

Shop With a Cop organizers are seeking donations and nominations for the community outreach program, which pairs children with “Shopper Cops” who help them select presents for every member of their families, themselves included.

“I can’t tell you how much this program means to me,” said Deputy Jerome Hill of the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department. “I did this for years in Perry, and I truly believe in the program and how it helps citizens.”

A big benefit to the program is children can be nominated by anyone.

“Several hundred struggle but many are too proud to seek help,” said Clarke County Veterans Affairs and General Relief Director Joella Perry. “The need for assistance has continually increased this year.”

The Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff’s Reserve Deputies and the Osceola Police Department will all be involved in the area’s first Shop With a Cop event, but businesses and individuals are pitching in too, in order to serve as many families as possible.

“I absolutely love how this shows what we can do when we all work together,” said Hill, who recently received a $2,000 donation through the Guide One Foundation/Guide One Insurance to get things started.

Along with making sure children receive presents at the holidays, the Shop With a Cop program offers additional benefits. It helps children who might be frightened of law enforcement overcome those fears. It provides kids who need extra support with positive role models and builds trust between authority figures and families in the community.

And it offers those in law enforcement precious benefits during a time of year known for high rates of stress.

“In law enforcement, we see people at their worst and see horrible things,” said Hill. “By doing Shop With a Cop, we get to interact with families and kids in a positive manner. Being able to see the smiles on the kids’ faces... This is a great experience for everyone that is involved.”

Applications for nominations can be picked up at the Law Enforcement Center from either the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department or Osceola Police Department. Nominees must be Clarke County residents in grades K through 6 with a social or economic need. Applications can be filled out by parents, teachers, neighbors or anyone in the community.

According to Hill, the sooner they’re returned, the better.

Donations can be sent to: Clarke County Sheriff Office Reserve Deputy Program; Attn: Deputy Jerome Hill; 220 Townline Road; P.O. Box 537; Osceola, IA 50213.