By: LaTasha Monahwee/MCNPR
CHECOTAH, Okla. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police participated in the McIntosh County Law Enforcement’s “Shop with a Cop” Dec. 12-14. This initiative took children from the local school districts in McIntosh County shopping for Christmas gifts.
This year’s event purchased gifts for about 80 children including Muscogee (Creek) citizens from the MCN Eufaula Dormitory. “Shop with a Cop” is composed of law enforcement officers in McIntosh County who donate their time to take children shopping for the holiday.
The Lighthorse Police has participated in this event the last three years.
“It’s a great opportunity to see the smiles on the kids faces when we take them to Wal-Mart to shop there, and then take them to Sharpe’s to buy clothes or shoes or whatever they are wanting. Then, we get to take them to Pizza Hut to eat all the pizza that we want on the buffet,” Lighthorse Police Captain Jere Smith said.
“Shop with a Cop” provides participants with a fun filled day while creating positive relationships with law enforcement.
“Every student gets to ride in their own patrol car, play with the lights and sirens. We let them talk on the radio and the P.A. They get to play with the handcuffs and all the stuff us cops get to play with everyday,” Captain Smith said.
The three-day event is funded solely by donations made throughout the year.