First responders escort children at Sam’s Club for ‘The Shop with a Cop’ event

SALISBURY, Md. – Sam’s Club partnered with local law enforcement agencies for their first annual Shop with a Cop event. The purpose was to give back to the community. Salisbury Police Sergeant Thomas Hitty was pleased with the turnout. “Many allied agencies helped, and we paired up with children and allowed them to pick out whatever they wanted.”

Police officers and other first responders escorted boys and girls from Salisbury around Sam’s Club to purchase Christmas gifts. The children were given a budget of $250 to shop. The Club Manager, Jahvon Romeo said the event was enjoyable.

“Seeing the smiles on kids’ faces brought some joy to me this morning. All I could think about was my three kids at home.”

The event brought out Mr. and Mrs. Claus to spread some holiday cheer. Sergeant Hitty said these events help the department foster relationships with community members.

“It gives us a way to show that we’re more than just going out and enforcing laws. It shows we care about our community and want to help it.”

Sergeant Hitty hopes this experience will last a lifetime for some children. “It means a lot for the children. This is an event that they will remember for their entire life.”

Sam’s Club is expecting to organize a similar event in the future.