LAURINBURG — Shop with a Cop in Laurinburg looked a little different this year, but under the masks, children were still smiling.
It’s the sixth year of the annual event and 10 children were given the run of Walmart with their parents to find themselves Christmas presents. But the one thing missing was the officers who usually assist, according to Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin “Duke” Williams.
“This year we’re adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines,” Williams said. “So while we’re staying safe we also want the kids to enjoy this experience. This year we changed things up and we didn’t have officers assisting them or have staff from Walmart. We let the kids go out and do their own shopping.”
Typically the police department has various events to fund the event and help multiple children, but the COVID-19 pandemic hit at those events.
“This year was a very unusual year with our fundraising efforts,” Williams said. “It just wasn’t there due to COVID but we found ways to get some revenue to help fund this year’s event. It’s very important for our department but it’s also important to the kids who need it this year. We’re just trying to do our part, we can’t reach all the kids but we’re doing our best to reach as many as possible.”
Five-year-old was excited Dre-La McKinnon to get all the presents she wanted but her grandmother Tonya Morris added she even got a present for her younger brother.
“I was very excited when they came by and let me know that they were going to do this for her,” Morris said. “It’s just a blessing and I’m thankful to God for bringing these people into our life.”
As the carts rolled out filled with toys and clothes along with the happy youngsters, Williams added right now it’s all about giving.
“Everyone understands that we’re dealing with some difficult times right now and normalcy is not there,” Williams said. “But we’ll get through this like everything else. The most important thing is we’re seeing some kids smile for Christmas and staying safe in the process.”
Reach Katelin Gandee at kgandee@laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com. To support The Laurinburg Exchange, subscribe here: https://laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com/subscribe