Third Annual Shop with a Cop is another great success!

HAMILTON - The Third Annual Shop with a Cop event was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Hamilton Walmart Supercenter.
Eighteen children were able to pick out a grocery shopping cart full of toys, spending at least $200 each however they wanted to do so, aided by local law enforcement personnel.
Hamilton Police Department personnel included HPD Officer Lance Stidham, Officer Jacelyn Litman, Sergeant Tyler Norton, Officer Jimmy Galbreath, Officer Kaleb Cooper, Officer Heath Jackson, Lieutenant Trey Webb and Chief Jordan Carter. (Law enforcement officers are listed in the order they appear in their specific department uniforms in the photo, from the left.)
Marion County Sheriff’s Department personnel included Sheriff’s Department Investigator Zachary Langston, Sheriff Kevin Williams, Investigator Kevin Bryant, Deputy Andy Smith, Deputy Judd Tucker and Chief Deputy Bill Pendley.
Walmart personnel included Walmart Market Manager Kevin Hudgins, Store Manager Selena Otts-Glover, Coach Devin Cribbs, Coach Melissa Wilson and API Kim Mills. (Listed as shown in the photo, back row, far left, with others from Walmart shown, second row, from the left.) Not pictured was Walmart People Lead Sara Miller, who was also very instrumental in the event.
Mills noted afterwards, “This year’s Shop with a Cop was bigger than ever, and because of that, 18 children received Christmas, and that’s something I will never take lightly.
“This event does not happen without teamwork, support and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes work. I’m thankful for my Walmart family for always showing up and supporting our community.
“A huge thank you to our sponsors who made this possible: CIS Home Loans, Henson Springs Fire Department, Windows Unlimited, Sweet P's Gifts & Accessories and Xtra Events and Parties.”
Mills said the police department and Walmart also donated a total of $1,200 toward the event.
Mills also thanked all of the law enforcement personnel who were present to help escort the children around the store to help pick out their toys.
“Thank you to the Marion County Sheriff's Department and the Hamilton Police Department for partnering with us and helping to bring smiles to these kids’ faces,” she noted.
“This is what community looks like. This is what it means to come together and take care of our own. I’m grateful, proud and already looking forward to next year.”
Hamilton Police Chief Jordan Carter said, “Shop with a Cop is such a special experience.  Seeing this program grow each year and the impact it has on kids and families means more to me than words can say.
“I’m proud of our officers who took time away from their own families to help make another family’s Christmas special."
Sheriff Kevin Williams added, “I think it was an honor to participate in this particular program. This wouldn’t happen without Walmart and all the sponsors who provided the money for the kids.
“This was our second year to participate with the police department. And this year, we had double the number of kids. I think this program will grow even more next year.
“We couldn’t have done this without those who helped financially. We’re so grateful for everyone who donated to this project.
“It was an honor for me and my deputies to participate in this and see the smiles on the children’s faces as they picked out what they wanted for Christmas.
“That’s what it’s all about—helping the community and those less fortunate.”
Williams noted the children and law enforcement officers began going around the store with the children around 10 a.m., and they all shopped for approximately an hour an a half.
For more information or to donate toward this program next year, please contact Walmart at 205-921-3090 and leave a message for API Kim Mills.