'Shop With a Cop' fund drive gleans support

Officer David Henley accepts a donation from Corey M. Johnson, owner of CMJ Financial Center, to help fund the Nevada Police Department's "Shop With a Cop" project, in which about 10 officers will take the same number of children Christmas shopping on Dec. 15, at the Walmart Supercenter.

By James R. Campbell

Nevada Daily Mail

Nevada's Christmastime "Shop with a Cop" project for children 6 to 11 got a boost Wednesday, with a $500 donation from CMJ Financial Center at 117 E. Cherry St.

Police Officer David Henley said he and seven to nine other city officers will pick up that many kids in their patrol cars on the afternoon of Dec. 15 and take them shopping for a couple of hours at the Walmart Supercenter.

Henley said a number of service organizations, merchants and individuals had given to help reach the $2,000 goal, but more contributions of time or money are welcome.

"It's a lot of fun," he said.

"The kids are super excited. They make a list of all the people they want to get presents for and you nearly have to make them get something for themselves."

Henley said Optimist Club volunteers wrapped the presents last year and that Heartland Behavioral Health Services staff members will perform that role this time.

CMJ owner Corey M. Johnson said he had wanted to increase the level of his support this year because he likes the concept of brightening Christmas for children from financially or socially disadvantaged families for whom the holiday would be much less cheery without their memorable Shop With a Cop excursion.

Henley said most of them are students at local elementary schools who are recommended by members of the police department, school employees, social agencies and family shelters.

Another benefit noted by Nevada Police Chief Graham Burnley when he announced last year's drive, the first to be held since the project went into abeyance about four years earlier, is that it encourages the children to interact with officers in a positive setting.

Noting that each child must buy at least one present for himself or herself, Burnley said in a news release, "We find that the last thing they generally think about is themselves as they learn an important lesson on the spirit of giving."

Those who wish to donate may mail a contribution to the NPD at 120 S. Ash, Nevada 64772 or contact Henley at (417) 448-2710 to request that an officer pick up the donation, Henley said.