Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Kids excited to Shop with a Cop

Kids excited to Shop with a Cop

WILL KINCAID/Tribune Sierra Gohl, 12, brings her purchases to the check out at the North Wal-Mart in Bismarck on Saturday. Gohl and other area children were taking part in the annual “Shop with a Cop”, charity program. The program is sponsored by the Missouri Valley Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police. Standing behind Gohl is her brother J.J. Gohl, left, Burleigh County Deputy Sheriff Mark Ahlgren, middle, and Kristofer Lewis.

Dec 09, 2007 - 04:04:36 CST

By CRYSTAL R. REID
Bismarck Tribune

A little blond-haired girl, escorted by a law enforcement officer, looked up at him, clapped her hands together and squealed, "Toys!"

Another little boy, "Eric" written across his nametag, protectively clung to a shopping cart in an effort to guide it towards Wal-Mart's toy section.

"We're going to look at toys,"Eric told the other kids in his group, bubbling with excitement.

A wave of children and members of the Missouri Valley Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police descended on the north Wal-Mart Saturday morning, to participate in the first weekend of the lodge's annual Shop with a Cop event.

Each year, teachers and counselors from schools across the area nominate children who may have tough situations at home to shop with members of the FOP. This year, 130 children were nominated, and about 20 members of law enforcement volunteered their time.

Wal-Mart gives $50 towards each child's shopping spree.

Some children know exactly how to spend it, said Missy Hilsendeger, with the Bismarck Police Department. Others are meticulous, and some even spend it on family or friends.

Mataya, the excitable 6-year-old blond-haired girl, bought a poinsettia for her mother, as well as a fluffy sleeping bag for herself, among other items.

Brother and sister team Sierra and J.J. Gohl chose a toy electric guitar, after trying out the game "Guitar Hero"on the big-screen televisions in Wal-Mart's electronics section.

Mark Ahlgren, with the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department, patiently shopped along with the Gohls.

"I just love helping the kids,"he said, adding that this is his sixth year helping.

Hilsendeger agreed, saying seeing the kids' faces makes her come back every year. She's worked with the event for seven years.

"They seem really happy,"she said.

Some children were new to the process, but others, like 10-year-old Kristopher Lewis, have done it before.

"I like buying the stuff that Ialways want,"Lewis said, scanning the aisles for just one more item that would fit in the budget.

Several children looked beyond toys and shopped practically. Sierra Gohl found a new pair of shoes, and 12-year-old Randy Birthmark found a pack of thick socks.

Overall, the mood was light and exciting in Wal-Mart's aisles Saturday. Children bounced from aisles of Legos, board games, CDs and DVDs.

"Sometimes, there's so much stuff, it's just overwhelming,"Ahlgren said.

(Reach reporter Crystal Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@bismarcktribune.com.)

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Comments

Don't forget the rest of us wrote on Dec 9, 2007 2:16 PM:

" TO add to this story: the Missouri Valley Lodge does not consist of Bismarck Police only. There are several other law enforcemen agencies that belong to this great organization. "

FOP wrote on Dec 9, 2007 1:55 PM:

" I want to thank everyone for all the excellent comments made made on this post, they are all greatly appreciated. I also want to thank all the officers who volunteered their time for this outstanding event. We also thank Walmart and MCDonalds for partnering with the Missouri Valley Lodge in this event, it is greatly appreciated. (shop w/ a cop is not a Bismarck Police Dept event, it is sponsored by the Missouri Valley Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and consists of all the local Depts, Bismarck, Mandan, Morton, or Burleigh) "

Not just the BPD wrote on Dec 9, 2007 1:47 PM:

" I just wanted to mention that this was the FOP and not just the BPD. Members of all the local law enforcment agences make up the Missouri Valley Lodge #3 of the Fraternal Order of Police. These officers and deputies do this on their own time and do not receive compensation for this and other FOP activities. "

Simle Mom wrote on Dec 9, 2007 11:21 AM:

" ...but I do have to agree with hawk's post....the last names shouldn't have been published. (unless the parents gave approval to their family name being out in the open as a "troubled family") "

Simle Mom wrote on Dec 9, 2007 11:19 AM:

" This is a GREAT program!!! Thank you BPD, WalMart, and to all teachers who nominate the children~~this is a heartwarming story to read every Christmas (and NO, I will not call it "holiday", it is Christmas = ) Keep up the great work!! "

lovinHim wrote on Dec 9, 2007 10:48 AM:

" I just wanted to thank the Police Dept. for doing this every year I think it is a great blessing to these children. Most of these children have had bad experiences with officers due to parents fighting and these kids are caught in the middle seeing their parents handcuffed, can be a very scary situation for a child. So I think it is awesome for them to see the Police Dept. in this light. God Bless you all for your generous giving in time and money. Thank you Wal Mart. "

sparrow wrote on Dec 9, 2007 9:25 AM:

" Yes, thank you walmart and also a huge thanks to local law enforcement for voluntering your time for a good cause. It helps kids learn that the cops are not the bad guy and they are there for them and the community. "

hawk wrote on Dec 9, 2007 7:49 AM:

" what is the reason you choose to give last name of all the kids? Thank you Walmart for stepping up big time! YOU, are the foundation of this program. "

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