TERRE HAUTE —
Families lined the store like a string of Christmas lights early Sunday morning, waiting as police played the role of holiday gift-givers.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 86 hosted its annual “Kids Shopping with Police” program inside Walmart on U.S. 41. Parents, grandparents and guardians of 206 children stood in a line to have their names checked off a list as officers escorted them through the store for a shopping cart full of gifts.
Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse said this year, each of the 206 children received $100 to spend in the store.
“I’ve been on the force 27 years and it’s been going on as long as I’ve been on,” he said of the tradition.
The FOP gets the children’s names from the Salvation Army and collects donated funds throughout the year for the project. At its inception, the program benefited 100 children, ebbing to 150 after a few years, and now more than 200. The organization’s ability to expand its list of children hinges on the community, he said.
“The main thing is, we couldn’t do this without community support,” Plasse said, crediting area citizens’ generosity. Police get to look good while shopping with the kids, but ultimately the program reflects well on the community as a whole, he said.
Vigo County Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Haley stood in the cashier’s line with one of the families he assisted, pointing out the program allows children to get to know law enforcement in a positive, friendly setting.
“This is my first year,” he said. “It’s amazing to come out and help children, especially this time of year.”
The program alternates each year between the Walmarts on U.S. 41 and on Indiana 46. The southern store’s manager, Bill Balensiefer, said the company is happy to help with early morning activity which kicks off each year at 7 a.m., bringing cashiers and other associates to a store full of Christmas presents ready for purchase.
“We’re proud to partner with local law enforcement for the annual effort,” he said.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Checkin': Terre Haute Chief of Police John Plasse checks his list of recipient names Sunday morning at the south Walmart. Each child received $100 to spend on items of their choice.
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K-9 buds: Nine-year-old Sammie Sweeney pets THPD officer Ryan Adamson's partner Caron during her shopping spree in Walmart Sunday morning.
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Happy times: Five-year-old Scotty Vester breaks into a big smile as he walks with his mother and West Terre Haute police officer Ted York on Sunday morning in Walmart.
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Animal lover: Nine-year-old Sammie Sweeney takes time from her shopping spree to pet THPD K-9 officer Ryan Adamson's dog Sunday morning at Walmart.
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Smile: Terre Haute police officer Kurt Brinegar appears to be having more fun than legally allowed as he shops with a 9-year-old in the south Walmart store. Each child was allowed to spend $100.
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Batman; Jalen Manuel holds up a "Batman" shirt as he shops with Terre Haute K-9 officer Justin Sears at Walmart Sunday morning.
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Wanted: Dyllan Deal and his mother Adrianne walk through Walmart with THPD officer Brian Bourbeau Sunday morning. Although Dyllan can spend $100 on items of his choice, his choice appears to be the cup of coffee carried by the officer.
Discussion
Police become Santas
FOP hosts 206 kids at holiday shopping event
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