Havre Police Department hosts Shop With A Cop

The Havre Police Protective Association will be hosting again the Shop With A Cop this year for families and children in need.

Last year was the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic started that the department started the event again. The police force will be taking young children to Walmart Saturday to shop for Christmas gifts, starting with breakfast at 9 a.m.

The Shop With A Cop event has been held for years around Montana. The event was canceled for a few years due to COVID and other circumstances.

Applications were sent to the schools in early November. The children and their families were chosen and notified Dec. 4.

Members of the department said they enjoy putting it on.

"Seeing the joy on the kids' faces when they get to pick out the gifts, it is such a rewarding experience," Sgt. Justin Gomke said.

Police Chief Gabe Matosich said the department looks forward to helping the community.

"Just to see the joy and excitement that comes out of these youngsters," he said.

The Havre Police Protective Association is the primary source of funding for Shop With A Cop. The breakfast will be donated by 5th Ave Grind, with lunch being donated by Pizza Hut. Dessert will be donated by Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods and transportation will be provided by North Central Montana Transit.

Anonymous donors have donated money to help the cause.

The officers said the children's reaction is what they enjoy the most.

"I enjoy seeing the children's smiling faces when they get to shop with local law enforcement," Capt. Ryan Pearson said.

"I enjoy being able to spend time with children at Christmas and being able to allow that child to have a memorable Christmas," Lt. Lucas Ames added.

Officer Sean O'Connell made similar comments, saying he likes "being able to make a positive difference in the kids' lives during the holiday season."

Officer Buck Easley said picking a favorite thing about the project is difficult.

"Having a positive impact on these kids' life and Christmas experience," he said. "It is hard to pick one thing as a favorite memory during Shop With A Cop, the whole experience is great."