Ritzville Shop with a Cop brings community partners together

RITZVILLE - The Ritzville Shop with a Cop was held on Dec. 10, bringing together Ritzville businesses, organizations and children for an afternoon of Christmas gift shopping.

“I think that's what the satisfaction for us is,” said Ritzville Police Chief Dave McCormick about the joy of watching children having the opportunity to be independent in choosing Christmas gifts for themselves and their families.

The event is put on by Ritzville Police Department in collaboration with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Ritzville Fire Department and community donations.

Children are suggested for Shop with a Cop by Ritzvile-Lind school personnel and then McCormick calls their parents and asks if it is okay for their child to participate.

“Every parent I've ever called has said yes,” McCormick said.

Twelve children were selected for this year’s event. The youngest was 3 years old and the oldest, 14.

Each child gets to purchase gifts for their family and themselves, with the help of law enforcement members who tag along. The children are given the freedom to choose what local businesses in Ritzville to shop at and then are sent home with everything they need to wrap the gifts.

Sending the children home with the wrapping supplies was something they started doing because of COVID-19, McCormick said, and has worked really well for all involved.

McCormick said they encourage the parents of the children involved in Shop with a Cop to distance themselves from the children so the children can bond with the officers and be independent in picking gifts.

“That's something they will never forget,” said McCormick.

Each family is also given a gift certificate to a local grocery store. McCormick said they were able to purchase $1,500 worth of gift certificates, some going to the families and some for officers to give as they see fit in the community. The certificates are funded through a grant from the Ritzville Fire Department and extra donations.

The Ritzville Fire Department also buys and wraps a gift for each child that is a part of Shop with a Cop.

“We are so grateful to be invited every year to participate with the Ritzville police department for Shop with a Cop,” ACSO Sheriff Wagner wrote in a release. “What a very meaningful and great partnership with this program! Thank you to all that continue to make this happen.”

Tax-deductible donations to this program can be made at Ritzville City Hall for Shop with a Cop in the care of Ritzville Chamber.

Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.