‘Shop with a Cop,’ a Christmas tradition for law enforcement and kids across Cleveland County

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Law enforcement volunteers and 17 local kids participated in shop with a cop on Friday. Courtesy photo, BSPD

(For photos from 'Shop with a Cop' event, scroll to the end of the news story)

BOILING SPRINGS – The annual Shop with a Cop was held the past Friday in Cleveland County, with kids and law enforcement officers from across the county. The happy faces of kids and cops gathered at The Boiling Springs Town Hall before rolling out their convoy for Shelby, to shop at Walmart and various other businesses to give economically stressed children gifts for Christmas.

Officer Anthony Fields spearheaded ‘Shop with a Cop’ this year, raising enough money for all 17 kids participating to have a bicycle, helmet, $500 to spend in the store, and a Christmas holiday meal for each family participating.

This marks 10 years for Officer Fields involved with ‘Shop with a Cop.’

“Ten years ago, we saw a big need in the community, to help families that were struggling,” explained Fields. “This year there were 17 kids. We teamed up with The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Kings Mountain and Shelby Police officers participated and Walmart has been very helpful and we’re thankful for everyone involved.”

Boiling Springs Baptist Church donated gift bags, Gardner Webb University donated sweatshirts, Piedmont Waste Management donated hoodies, Republic Services donated beanies, and Chick-fil-a donated $10 gift cards that were given to the kids when they arrived at the Boiling Springs Police Department.

Before the kids and their parents, along with law enforcement from across Cleveland County rolled out on their Christmas expedition, they first met Santa, had time to interact with the officers before heading out with a police escort, which included flashing blue lights and sirens, an added touch from about Shelby High School to Walmart, which BSPD Chief DiYorio said the children enjoyed.

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“Shop With a Cop is about more than just gifts, it’s about building trust, creating positive memories, and showing our kids that law enforcement is here to support them,” Chief DiYorio said. “Seeing officers from across Cleveland County coming together for these children is a powerful reminder of what partnerships and community truly mean. I’m especially proud of Officer Fields and grateful to our partner agencies, donors, and supporters who helped make this day possible. We look forward to continuing to partner with our fellow law enforcement agencies on future community events that bring us closer to the people we serve.”

‘Shop with a Cop’ is an annual event to help under-served children in Cleveland County. See the photos from the event at the bottom of the story, below The Shelby independent’s local sponsors and advertisers.

The Shelby Independent appreciates our law enforcement for their dedication to protect and serve all those in Cleveland County.

Merry Christmas.

SHOP WITH A COP PHOTOS | Courtesy photos:

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.