Annual Shop with a Cop event supports local families

The 2024 Shop with a Cop event was at the Walmart Supercenter in Wasilla Sunday, Dec. 8.

This annual community-oriented event gave local families in need the chance to get Christmas presents for their households while interacting with local law enforcement officers, first responders, and other community organization representatives.

A designated area of Walmart's outdoor section was set aside for the event with various Christmas gift options to choose from.

Each participating family was allotted a gift budget and the kids were given the chance to shop for items not only for themselves, but for their family and friends as well.

Participating first responders helped children pick out the presents, wrap them and label them to take home.

Brenda Gregory and her 7-year-old grandson Tuli Maea participated in the Shop with a Cop event for the first time this year. She said that she was proud of how thoughtful her grandson was while picking out gifts for his family and friends.

“I think he really liked it," Gregory said. “It was fun and exciting to see his reactions. We're trying really hard to show him that it's better to give than receive sometimes. He's done very well with it.”

Several emergency response vehicles were parked in front of the building with their lights flashing to commemorate festivities. Participating children were able to check out the vehicles up close while talking to first responders. The kids also had a chance to mix and mingle with Santa Claus and the Grinch who both made an appearance at this year’s event.

“I like it. I think it's a great thing," Gregory said. “It shows the kids there's nothing they cannot do if they put their mind to it.”

A total of 41 local children were able to participate in this year's event, according to Alaska State Troopers Deputy Commander Todd Moehring. He said it was inspiring to see so many different agencies come together to help make local families’ holidays a little brighter this season.

“I love this event. The way they pull together, it's tremendous. It shows the resolve we have to serve the community amongst all the disciplines,” Moehring said. “It's heartwarming.”

Alaska State Troopers Deputy Director Major Tony April was thrilled with how everything went this year.

“It was a great turnout," April said.

Multiple law enforcement agencies and first responders participate in this event each year. According to April, there were several new participants such as village public safety officers and cadets from the Mat-Su Explorers program. There were other participating groups such as The Children's Place and North Paw K9 Search and Recovery who helped out during the event.

April played a large role in establishing the Shop with a Cop event in Wasilla, and he's been involved in each event since it started. It's apparent that April enjoys the sentimental feeling of this ever growing annual gathering.

“When I've got this big smile on my face, it says it all,” April said with a laugh. “It's tremendous.”