Umatilla Kids Shop with a Cop

Sweaters, gloves, basketballs, stuffed animals and video games filled shopping carts on Wednesday as 10 Umatilla students shopped alongside Umatilla police officers during the department’s annual Shop with a Cop event.

In full uniforms, the officers helped middle-school students pick out pajamas and teddy bears, tools and quilting fabric for the students’ families.

“It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a good way to give back,” officer Derrick Williams said. “It’s a positive side of police people usually don’t see.”

This is the 14th year the department has hosted the event with Umatilla students, and Clara Brownell Middle School staff chose 10 students for the opportunity. Each student was matched with an officer from the Umatilla Police Department, and the group caravanned to the Hermiston Wal-Mart on Wednesday morning.

“I think this is the best day of the entire school year. I really look forward to it,” Principal Liz Durant said. “I’m so thankful to our police department because they’re so generous and great to work with all year long.”

Each student received $100 to spend on gifts for their family, thanks to a donation from Wal-Mart.

“This is really cool because a lot of people can’t get gifts for their families,” 12-year-old Mya said. “I think it’s really generous of (the officers) because they don’t have to. My family is very grateful.”

After buying their gifts, students were treated to cupcakes and juice before driving back to Umatilla to wrap their gifts.

“As a department, we’re always looking for an opportunity to get involved, especially with the kids,” police dispatcher Kylie Baker said. “This is a great program all the way around.”