The Shop With a Cop program is funded and organized by the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Association.
Santa’s list grows longer each year and the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Association, along with President Lora Henson, try their best to help as many children as possible. Each year the Association accepts donations for its Shop with a Cop celebration for the Christmas holiday. This is their most heart felt program of the year. This program is designed to provide gifts for under privileged, needy and at risk children in St. Francois County. In addition, the program teaches these children that Police Officers and Deputies are someone they can trust and depend on in a time of crisis. The Association is a Missouri State “Not For Profit” organization. Money is raised by private and business donations and local fundraisers.
It is only through the support of the local Law Enforcement Agencies and their communities that we are able to make these children’s dreams and wishes come true. Names are submitted to us by schools in the county and area shelters. Ages range from three to thirteen and, in some cases, older. Then on the designated day all the children are assembled at the Farmington or Desloge Wal-Mart and allowed to purchase whatever they want. A uniformed officer escorts each child in this event. Usually the children are allow to spend $100 each depending upon the number of children participating and funds that have been donated.
Your continued support is deeply appreciated by the association and the deputies of St. Francois County. This is the sheriff’s association’s greatest victory and we hope to continue for years to come. If you have any question regarding the program, please contact Lora Henson at the office by calling (573) 431-2777 or (573) 756-3252.