Williamsburg Police spread holiday cheer with Shop-With-A-Cop

Some of them were tiny youngsters. Others were teenagers, but all of the children, who took part in the Williamsburg Police Department Shop with a Cop program Thursday, left with a smile.

"There is nothing like being able to take a child that needs it through and see the expression on their face when they get to spend $100 at Wal-Mart. There is nothing like it," said Williamsburg Police Chief Wayne Bird.

The Ninth Annual Williamsburg Police Department Shop with a Cop program took about 166 less fortunate children on Christmas shopping sprees Thursday.

Williamsburg police, Kentucky State Police, Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies, Whitley County EMS and various elected officials all helped take the local youngsters on shopping spree.

Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison described Shop with a Cop as one of the best projects the city has ever undertaken.

"It is the most heartwarming things that you could ever see," Harrison said. "The smiles on their faces mean everything. It is probably the one thing that puts me in the Christmas spirit more than anything."

The police department coordinates with school resource centers, social services and other agencies to come up with a list of children each year to participate in the program.

Debbie Carr, who attended the event with her six-year-old son, Braiden Carr, and her two grandchildren, said that its rough trying to shop for Christmas in this economy. She was ecstatic when she found out the children had been selected.

"This has helped out tremendously. It helps us, especially during the tough times. To see a smile on the kids’ face and know somebody is responsible for that means a lot," Carr said. "The kids couldn’t wait. They were ready for this day all week."

Funding for the program comes through donations and fundraisers. The two biggest fundraising events are the mud bog, which takes place Memorial Day weekend, and the Turkey Trot 5-K run/walk, which takes place Thanksgiving Day.

"We’d just like to thank everybody, who has donated and everybody that participates, especially the ladies at city hall," Bird said.

"They work really hard helping us get it put together.

"As always, we would just like to thank the people, who donate, and all the volunteers, who help make it possible."