KINGWOOD — Smiling children lined up to shop with Preston County Deputies on Sunday. The sixth annual Shop With a Cop event took place at the Kingwood Walmart with 18 families and 43 children participating.
The program allowed underprivileged children to shop for clothing and toys with a deputy. Children from across the county participated.
Captain J. H. Bryan said 18 deputies, bailiffs and utility officers were on hand to push the carts and escort children around the store.
Walmart Assistant Manager Suzanna Bevan said she “loves” the event. “It’s one of the sweetest things we do. It’s a nice time for everyone, and we like to help.” Walmart also donates to the program.
Employee Dakota Knotts, who was dressed as Santa, handed out candy canes at the sign-in table and talked with the children.
Lt. S. R. Mitter said each child could choose $100 of toys and items. She said the family also received a turkey. “I get names of families from school guidance counselors, and deputies come up with names,” she said. “One of the families participating this year was suggested by one of the (state) troopers.”
Bryan said this year’s corporation sponsors were Walmart, WesBanco, Clear Mountain Bank, Cato Drilling and T. A. Towing. “We also received multiple individual donations,” he said.
