Havre police share Christmas with Shop with a Cop

Havre Police Department is hosting its annual Shop with a Cop event Dec. 14, to allow children to pick out gifts for their families and clothing items they will need during the winter months. 

Sgt. Jesse Eller said he has given out applications to a number of Havre schools but people can also pick up applications at the Havre Police Station. All applications must be submitted by Dec. 10. Anyone in the area can apply.

The program picks 10 children who are in need and takes them to Walmart where they have an opportunity to go shopping alongside a police officer to pick out Christmas gifts for themselves and their families. Walmart donated $2,000 to the program. 

Eller said that every year the officers enjoy shopping with the children, some of them bonding at the event. He added that officers also try to help the children pick out some winter clothing they may need and presents for their families and themselves.

Havre Police Protective Association also donates money to the event. North Central Montana Transit contributes busing services for the children for the day. Eller said that parents should pick up their children at the end of the event.

In the morning the officers provide the children with a free breakfast and after shopping Pizza Hut donates a free lunch to the children.

After the shopping is completed the presents and the children are taken to the police station to gift wrap.

Eller said that it is a great feeling to see how happy the children are when they get their presents and seeing them get things they need, such as clothes.

He added that it is important that children know that officers are there to help.

“Seeing the cops aren’t always bad, we are out there to do the good,” he said.