Corbin police officers help make Christmas a little merrier

The Corbin Police Department helped make 100 children’s Christmases a little merrier this year.

The department’s Shop with a Cop program allowed children to purchase up to $100 worth of items at Corbin Walmart on Dec. 15.

Children were joined by a member of the Corbin Police Department who helped them pick out clothing, toys, and more.

Corbin Police Chief Rusty Hedrick said the Shop with a Cop program teaches children how to interact with law enforcement officials and develop a good relationship.

“Initially it provides the opportunity for us [law enforcement officers] and children to create a better bond,” said Hedrick.

The program uses the school resource centers to select the children who get to participate in the program.

“We try to get 100 kids each year. We have had that every year except for last year with the Coronavirus. We were down some, and we did a different variation of shop with a cop,” said Hedrick. “This year we are very fortunate to again have 100 kids.”

Children are each given $100 to spend. They are required to purchase at least one item of clothing and then the rest can be spent on whatever items they would like.

The program services individuals ranging in age from infants to teenagers.

Approximately 18 officers participated in this year’s program.

At the event, Walmart Store Manager Toshua Harrell presented a $2,500 check to Rusty Hedrick for the Shop with a Cop program. The money was part of a Walmart Community Grant.

The store has provided similar grants to the program for several years.