60 kids Shop with a Cop.

60 kids Shop with a Cop.

#ShopWithACop #MasonCountyCares

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Sixty children were treated to a special shopping experience Wednesday night during the annual Shop with a Cop program at the Ludington Wal-Mart. The children, who were identified by their school counselors, were each paired with a local law enforcement officer and given a dollar amount they could spend on Christmas presents for their family.

Ludington Police Officer Tony Kuster is the event organizer. He said the program continues to grow.

“Thanks to the generosity of our community and the businesses in our community, we took 60 kids shopping this year,” Kuster said. “We also were able to deliver 60 meals to those kids’ families and they each were given the opportunity to receive a free Christmas tree. This program is growing and we look forward to next year.”

Ludington Wal-Mart General Manager Andrew Lucero said the store and its employees feel honored to be part of the event. “I think it’s a great organization and it’s a great thing to be behind,” Lucero said. “I challenge the community to help make this grow. Let’s double the amount of kids serviced next year.”

Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole said the event is a great way for law enforcement officers to foster relationships with the youth and their families.

“For officers, this is the best night of the year,” Cole said. “You can’t put a price tag on the smiles on the officers and the kids. It’s just priceless.”