By CHRIS FROST
Eagle Times News Editor
CLAREMONT, NH — Kids had their dreams come to life Thursday, Dec. 14, as Shop with a Cop 2023 scored, and everybody walked away full of holiday spirit.
Claremont Walmart delivered plenty of toys for kids to enjoy while parents waited for their children to return with the goodies.
Claremont Police Department School Resource Officer Crystal Simonds organized the event and said Shop with a Cop restarted in 2016.
“Funding for Shop with a Cop came from the Byrne Foundation, a nonprofit from the upper valley,” Simonds said. “Jack and Dorothy Byne donated to various causes, including numerous things for the schools.”
Simonds works closely with SAU 6 Social Worker Courtney Porter to identify children who would benefit from shopping with a police officer.
“These are kids we feel that interacting with the Claremont Police Department or the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office would benefit their development,” said Simonds.
Porter said she’s been blessed to work with Simonds on the Shop with a Cop event for several years.
“Crystal does an amazing job recognizing the need for the youth in our community to build positive relationships with members of the Claremont Police Department,” Porter said.
Ken Czechowicz brought donation items for Courtney’s Closet, a school district-wide resource for deserving families created by Porter.
“Kids need it, and it’s a good season to give,” Czechowicz said. “I just got a hug from Courtney because she is a great lady, and I’m looking forward to seeing my grandkids in South Carolina.”
Michelle Herrington wrapped presents and was excited to see all the kids.
“I want to make Christmas a little more merry,” said Herrington.
Tim Hinkley, along with sons Marcus and Austin, were ready to shop with the cops.
“I want to get some Beyblades,” Austin said.
Hinkley said his kids were excited to shop and made sure Dad brought them.
“They’ve been ready for an hour,” he said.
Gracelynn and Meghan Anderson were waiting for Gracelynn’s brother, and the toddler enjoyed a cookie.
“I didn’t know what it was and came over and asked about it,” said Anderson. “This helps me a lot, and my son loves cops. He gets to do two of his favorite things: pick out toys and hang out with a cop.”
Bella Getty was ready to shop while Tonya Harwood waited, full of holiday spirit.
“I told them to stick with the toys and clothes, and they couldn’t get any video games,” Harwood said. “I want all the kids to have a good Christmas.”
Mallory Skinner was ready to shop with Crystal Simonds.
“I don’t know what I want,” said Skinner.
Claremont Police Department Sergeant Josh Peavey couldn’t wait to shop with the kids.
“We have a lot of people who sponsor this, donate money and we’re glad to be able to do this,” said Peavey.
Sullivan County Sheriff John P. Simonds is excited to shop with the kids.
“We do this with the Claremont Police Department every year, and it’s a great thing to do,” he said. “Some kids don’t shop for themselves and want things for their family. I had one kid who wanted only a book. This is what community policing is about, working with families, and it’s a great feeling.”
Sheriff Josh Wade has participated since 2016 and said Shop with a Cop is an amazing event.
“It’s giving back to the community, and you can have a positive interaction with a lot of the kids,” said Wade. “The kids come in and pick which one of us they want to shop with, and we hang with the kids, walk through the store, and pick several things while we talk to the kids the whole time. It’s pretty orderly, and they’re well-behaved.”
Sheriff Jim Valiquet said Shop with a Cop personifies the time of the year.
“It’s time to give back, share, and feel good about yourself,” said Valiquet. “You can’t do that sitting at home and watching the TV.”
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