Florence Shines Bright with Inaugural ‘Shop with a Cop’ Event
The spirit of giving was alive and well in Florence this past Saturday as the Florence Police Department rolled out its inaugural ‘Shop with a Cop’ event at the local Walmart on Beltline Drive. The event was a heartfelt initiative aimed at spreading holiday cheer and fostering stronger community ties.
A Collaborative Effort
In a wonderful show of community spirit, the police department joined forces with Walmart, along with the Neighborhood Walmart on South Cashua Drive and several local organizations, including the Florence Housing Authority and the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program. Together, they aimed to brighten the holidays for families in need. Ten children from these families were selected to participate and enjoyed a $100 shopping spree each, escorted by dedicated officers from the department.
Building Bridges
Captain Stephen Starling of the Florence Police Department emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “We’re showing them that we care for them and support them. It’s a great opportunity for us to connect with the community and bolster our community policing initiative.” Starling’s passion for making a difference was evident as he beamed about the impact this experience had on the children and their families.
“It gives us so much joy to know we’re making a difference, especially for children who might not receive presents otherwise. We’re incredibly thankful to our partners who helped make this possible, and we’re already looking forward to an even bigger event next year,” he added enthusiastically.
A Day Full of Smiles
The event transformed the aisles of Walmart into a playground of joy and laughter. One of the young participants, Skylar Harrison, a nine-year-old full of excitement, shared her delightful experience. Carting around her treasures, she said, “I feel very safe. I’m so thankful the cops took time out of their day to be here with us.” Her innocent yet powerful holiday message resonated with everyone, “I know Christmas time can be hard but keep fighting — everything will be okay.”
Her father and sister joined her in every smile, and it was clear the family felt cherished and supported during this special time.
Parent Perspectives
Parents, too, expressed their heartfelt gratitude for such an initiative. Jerrie Davis, a mother of two, highlighted what this event meant for families like hers. “It means a lot, and I’m so appreciative. A lot of kids can’t afford to have a good Christmas, but this gives them the chance to celebrate and feel cared for,” Davis shared, her voice filled with emotion.
The Future Looks Bright
The police department worked diligently with local businesses to identify families in need, ensuring the funds were raised to make this event a reality. With the success of this inaugural event, there’s already a buzz of excitement brewing for next year’s festivities. As children filled their carts with toys and gifts, a clear message rang out: the season of giving truly captures the heart of Christmas, and the Florence community stands strong in its commitment to care for one another.
The laughter of children echoed through the store, creating a truly magical atmosphere. It was a day of connection, love, and community spirit—a true reminder of what the holiday season is all about.
