Youngsters who needed a bit of assistance got it Saturday from area law enforcement officers and supporters during Shop With a Cop.

This is an annual tradition where members of the law enforcement community take needy children to breakfast and then using funds that have been raised help them purchase Christmas gifts for themselves and their family members.

Al Babcock of the Junction City Police Department said Walmart donated food, and funds were raised through the community for this event. “We had breakfast at the Second Missionary Baptist Church where they cooked the food for us. And then they were bussed down here to Walmart by B & B Busing.” Then members of the law enforcement community including the JCPD, Geary County Sheriff’s Department, Grandview Plaza Police Department. Kansas Highway Patrol, Chapman, Ford County, Hays PD,  and Alcohol Beverage Control helped the children shop for their gifts.

Babcock stated, “This is a really good feeling. It’s an opportunity to be back with the kids.” He added the children were appreciative of the help.  Many purchased toys for gifts and then got them wrapped by volunteers helping with the event.

Babcock said approximately $8,300 was raised for Shop With a Cop this year. He hopes to grow the event in the future where it can accommodate at least 100 kids. This year approximately 65 children participated.