'Shop With a Cop' grows with added donations

WORLAND — After local law enforcement officers donated to kick start the “Shop With A Cop” program last year, businesses are coming out this year to support and help grow the program.

Employees from WBI Energy, Devon Energy and Smith Oilfield Services recently partnered together to assist with the local “Shop With a Cop” Program. Employees donated money to help local children in need shop for their families this Christmas. In addition to WBI Energy, Devon Energy and Smith Oilfield Services the program has received donations from the Harvest Fest Basket Program, Shopko and once again local law enforcement officers.

Last year the Worland Police Department, Washakie County Sheriff’s office, and Wyoming Highway Patrol started the “Shop With a Cop” program to help a group of 10 local children, who otherwise wouldn’t get the chance under normal circumstances, to Christmas shop for family.

Last year Worland Chief of Police Gabe Elliott said, “We had our school resource officer work with the local schools to create a list of 10 kids who would benefit most from a program like this.” The 10 children were each paired up with a volunteer law enforcement officer, and treated to a shopping trip at a local business of their choosing.

This year, “Shop With a Cop” will take place next Saturday, Dec. 10, with children and officers gathering at 8:30 a.m. at the Washakie County Law Enforcement Center with shopping starting at 9 a.m. Cheryl Meyer of the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office said this year they will be shopping with at least 14 children, with the hopes of being able to help a few more.

“This is the second year of the program and the support and help has been outstanding to help kids in need,” Sheriff Steve Rakness said.