Kids and Cops Pair Up for Annual Shop with a Cop in Milbank  

It was impossible to tell which smiles were bigger – the kids or the cops – at the annual Shop with a Cop held at Lewis Drug in Milbank on Wednesday, December 10. Officers from the South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Milbank Police Department paired up with 38 amazing kids to help them shop for themselves and their family in hopes of making  their Christmas glow with excitement and joy. The program also focuses on positive relationships, mentorships, and community building.

“The interaction with the kids was an amazing experience for the officers. The kids are such bright lights and full of unlimited energy,” commented Milbank Chief of Police Corey Hooth.

Shop With  a Cop is sponsored by The Grant County ICAP Office, Grant County Child Protection Team, and the Grant County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP Lodge NE #14).

Chief Hooth also extended a big “Thank you” to everyone behind the scenes who made the event a success. The Faculty in the Milbank School District wrapped presents. Guadalupe’s Restaurant provided food and a gathering place for the kids and their families. MHS students offered aid as translators for some of the little shoppers. Hooth noted that several officers who had participated in the event left before their group photo was taken and are not pictured.

He also added, “State and local officers wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!”

Submitted Photo