Murphy – The Graham County Sheriff’s Office spread holiday cheer to local children last week, with the annual “Shop with a Cop” event taking place Dec. 14.
“Shop with a Cop” gives children in the community a chance to go on a holiday-shopping spree with police officers, have lunch and return to school.
“It’s a chance to give back to kids who don’t have a Christmas,” said Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit.
All told, 23 children and 15 officers went to Walmart in Murphy. Each child received a gift card with $185. The kids went for a variety of gifts, including toys, clothes and food.
Hoxit noted that the children also bought gifts for their siblings; two children went straight to the grocery section. Lunch at Papa’s Pizza to Go was then enjoyed by all involved before the return to school.
This year, over $5,000 was donated from business in Graham County. This was the most ever given, according to Hoxit.
“I would like to thank the community for their willingness to donate,” said Hoxit.