Graham County deputies host Shop With a Cop
Murphy – Some local children in difficult positions were able to have their dreams come true this Christmas, with a little help from Graham County’s finest.
For the fourth year, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office hosted its Shop With a Cop program, treating 23 local children who may not have otherwise had a Christmas this year to a shopping spree at the Murphy Walmart. This year’s event took place on the morning of Dec. 15.
Approximately 15 Graham County deputies participated, along with one National Forest Service enforcement officer. The number represented a majority of Graham County deputies.
“It helps give kids whose families are struggling or having issues this Holiday season a Christmas,” said Graham County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy J.J. Wooten. “It helps give them a better Christmas and a chance to enjoy the Holiday season.”
This year’s event included students from lower elementary all the way through high school. Participants were selected by Graham County Schools. The school district also provided an activity bus to transport the children to Murphy.
Wooten said that approximately 30 children were on the list, but some were unable to participate due to being in COVID-19 quarantine or due to other obligations.
Wooten made special note of the importance of the event, saying that everyone should get to enjoy the holiday season.
“So far, it’s gone pretty smooth,” said Wooten, who led this year’s Shop With a Cop. “It was a little hectic, but it’s smoothed out.
He said that he had participated in Shop With a Cop in years past, but that this was the first time he had been in charge of the event.
Wooten explained that the day was funded by donors in the community, with the funds being put on gift cards and divided equally among the participants.
“I’m just glad we were able to have a good turnout of officers and a good turnout of kids,” Wooten said.
“I’m glad we were able to help these kids out.”
Shop With a Cop events like Graham County’s are held by agencies throughout the country during the holiday season.