Anonymous
Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
[On Tuesday] morning, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriffs Association (SBCDSA) partnered with Walmart of Lompoc for the first Shop with a Cop Event to help spread holiday cheer to 26 children.
The SBCDSA was contacted by the manager of Walmart in Lompoc who expressed his desire to hold a Shop with a Cop event at his store. Shop with a Cop programs have been around for the last 10 years in an effort to create positive interactions and relationships between children and law enforcement. Participating children are identified by schools, churches, youth organizations, or social services agencies.
Walmart matched donations with the SBCDSA and 26 children were paired with a member of the SBCDSA and given $200 to spend in the store. The 26 on and off duty volunteer shopping buddies were made up of Sheriff’s Deputies, Custody Deputies, District Attorney Investigators, and an Emergency Communications Calltaker.
“The SBCDSA feels very honored that Walmart management reached out to us. We couldn’t be more thrilled to help coordinate an event that brightens the lives of children who have been through some tough times in their young lives and this year especially. From distance learning, to parents losing their jobs, to lack of community and school events like sports and dance, 2020 has been very hard on so many families.
The SBCDSA is committed to giving back to our communities that we protect and serve everyday” said SBCDSA VP Jazzmine DeForest.
The SBCDSA represents nearly 500 members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office and County Air Support Services.
