GREAT BEND, Kan. — It’s been a busy week of holiday service for the Great Bend Police Department (GBPD), which hosted its annual “Shop with a Cop” event on Wednesday.
Sixty-seven children in the community came out to Walmart yesterday afternoon to receive an early holiday present, 17 more than in previous years, thanks to the generosity of supporters.
“The Great Bend Police Department, together with the Great Bend Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #23, is honored to support the Shop with a Cop program year after year,” said Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark. “This event provides a meaningful opportunity for officers to connect with local children and bring holiday joy to families who may be facing challenges. We extend our sincere appreciation to the community partners and donors whose continued support ensures this program remains a bright spot in our community.”
In partnership with the Great Bend Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #23, GBPD hosted two shopping sessions at Walmart starting at 4 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. Each child was handed a $75 Walmart gift card and was paired with a police officer to select toys of their choice. In addition, the GBPD provided families with food boxes, including a turkey, for enough to fix a meal up to 10 people.
Last Saturday, workers from Project Clean Sweep played an essential role by preparing the food boxes that were distributed to the families. Project Clean Sweep is a collaborative initiative between the police department and the municipal court that allows individuals to complete community service as an alternative to paying fines.
Forty-five grocery boxes were handed out at “Shop with a Cop”. Leftover boxes will be donated, with one each going to the local boys’ and girls’ homes, as well as two to the Family Crisis Center. Four remaining $75 gift cards will be given to children in shelters.
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Community Engagement Officer Gary Davis invited the public to take a Christmas-themed photo at the police station, drawing in 24 children. Stg. Davis handed out candy and posed for pictures in front of a GBPD Christmas Tree, adorned with blue tinsel, black and white ornaments with a GBPD hat as the tree-topper.
For those interested in a chance to take their own photo with Stg. Davis, please contact the police department at 620-793-4120.
Access to the full album of photos can be found here: PD Holiday Outreach
