Southern Oregon Cops Help Kids at Christmas

Douglas County-area kids "Shop with a Cop" in Roseburg.

Douglas County, Oregon law enforcement officers who participated in this year's "Shop with a Cop" event. Photos courtesy: Oregon State Police

(ROSEBURG, Ore.) - Several Douglas County area law enforcement officers and Kmart associates helped to brighten the upcoming holiday season for many children Saturday morning participating in the area's annual "Shop with a Cop".

Saturday, from 8:45 AM to 11:00 AM, Oregon State Police troopers along with members from Roseburg Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Myrtle Creek Police Department, and Winston Police Department helped children shop for special gifts at the Roseburg Kmart store.

According to Douglas County Deputy Dwes Hutson, children were paired with a law enforcement officer and given a $30.00 gift card to buy presents for their family. The officers helped pick out gifts and go through the check stand to pay before helping them wrap the presents. Before leaving, each child was given their own stocking and a gift.

Oregon State Police Sergeant Steve Mitchell said most of the nearly 25 children are in foster care or come from dysfunctional families. "These kids often only come in contact with police officers in bad situations. Our goal is to let them know that we are there to help them in a positive environment. We want them to know we care about them and think they are special," said Mitchell.

All law enforcement agencies and participating officers also expressed their sincere appreciation to the Kmart associates who work very hard each year to make this event a success.