Local Law Enforcement Spreads Christmas Cheer

By: Corbin Lingenfelter, News Director

Jasper- Local and state police agencies are joining forces to spread Christmas Cheer. 

Cops and Kids is an annual shopping spree that pairs law enforcement with children in the communities they serve. Jasper Police Officer Adam Bower shared with WITZ’s Charlie Wayne, the kids a part of the campaign are those who may not get a Christmas. Kids and officers will spend the day together at the Jasper Walmart getting items they not only need, but also want. 

“We have a lot of fun on this day,” said Officer Bower, “It’s something that maybe the kids don’t always get to see us in this light. We (officers) are real people, we are caring people and we’re here to help. That’s what we want them to see.”

Many of the participating kids are from the Head Start Preschool Services program, which is part of Tri-Cap. The students are aged from Pre-K to elementary aged kids. 

In previous years, the officers shop with around fifty kids. This year, according to Officer Bower, numbers are just over thirty. After the shopping, the Cops and Kids transition to the Jasper Parklands, where they will have a parade and visit with Santa Claus. The moose lodge will be catering the celebration. 

Officers and kids will arrive at the Jasper Walmart at 9:30 AM est. Wednesday morning and will start shopping at 9:45. The group will move to the Jasper Parklands at 11:00 AM est