At 9 a.m. Saturday, police, Colorado State Patrol and Sheriff’s Office vehicles paraded with lights and sirens to Walmart for the annual Shop With a Cop event.
For at least 20 years, law enforcement has paired with local students to shop for Christmas gifts. Students are selected each year based on nominations from school counselors, student government and other school leaders. The event is organized by School Resource Officer Karla Ross.
The Cortez Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado State Patrol Port of Entry, Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office, Montezuma County Social Services, Bureau of Land Management and Classic Air Medical participated.
About 17 students were expected, but 12 attended.
Before shopping, the group met at Montezuma-Cortez High School for breakfast from Panther Chefs. Ziggy’s provided free coffee.
The Grinch also made an appearance from Whoville, courtesy of Montezuma County Social Services.
As the group walked to the vehicles, one little girl who was hesitant to leave her mother soon climbed into a waiting police vehicle with a smile, anticipating the shopping trip with her friend.
Montezuma County Sheriff Sgt. Bryan Hill called the event “Christmas in its truest form” while watching one student pick gifts for her siblings. Hill has participated in Shop With a Cop for 12 years.
“I love seeing the sparkles in their eyes,” Hill said. He added that the event is part of the reason he loves working in law enforcement, as it helps make a difference in the community.
For some, like Officer Shannon Jennings and Classic Air Medical’s Iris Gardner, it was their first time participating.
“It’s so sweet,” Gardner said.
Gardner, who started working with Classic Air Medical in February, manned the shopping cart full of gifts the students picked for themselves. Classic Air Medical allowed students to choose a gift up to $25 so they could use the rest of their money for family gifts.
“Traditionally, kids mainly buy gifts for their families,” Gardner said. “This way, they can buy a gift for themselves too.”
Each student received $100 for shopping, provided by the Montezuma-Cortez High School student body government. Walmart gave participants 20% off purchases and waived sales tax. Students also left with a popcorn bin and a free sugar cookie from Walmart employees.
While shopping, some students asked their officer’s advice, others consulted lists and a few tried to protect their items from the Grinch, who kept everyone on their toes.
Bureau of Land Management law enforcement officer Matthew Abraham said he loves seeing students enjoy the event and pick gifts for their families.
Sgt. Kurtiss Baumgartner said his favorite part is hanging out with the students as they shop.
“I love watching them have fun,” he said.
At checkout No. 29, carts were full of toys for siblings, blankets, sports gear, shoes, coffee, candy, clothes, gloves, socks, games and even a blender for one child’s mom. Some students didn’t spend the full $100, allowing them to pick one or two more items.
One boy asked if he could buy a gift for his dad with the extra money.
Walmart Team Lead Jeanne Smith, wearing a festive Christmas headband, handed cookies to students and wished them a Merry Christmas as they finished shopping.
“It’s really meaningful to help the kids,” CPD Sgt. Koby Guttridge said while watching the remaining students purchase gifts. Guttridge has participated for eight years.
As the children held their bags of gifts and the Grinch was jokingly confronted by Officer Joseph Yen for sneaking another cookie, the group returned to the school to wrap gifts with the officers, ending another successful year of community giving through Shop With a Cop.
