Shop with a Cop benefits vets

The Darlington Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program helps benefit hospitalized veterans. Those who took part in the project are pictured, front row, from left, Michelle Cuevas, Amanda Quijano sergeant Tony Ruesga, Klara Richardson, Chloe Havens, Elliana Ruiz and Chief Jason King. Back row, from left, are Michael Kendall, officer Zach Keister, officer Nick Mantsch, officer Ben Conway, Summer Cohen, Taylor Schauer, Kelly Wick and Alyssa Scott.

DARLINGTON — Officers and students participated in the Darlington Police Department’s 5th Annual Shop with a Cop Program Feb. 16 that benefitted hospitalized Veterans. The Shop with a Cop Program in Darlington occurs annually in February during the week of National Salute to Veteran Patients.

Darlington Community Schools students in grades 7 through 12 volunteered to partner with Darlington Police Officers for this program.

The students accompanied the officers, who are also volunteering their time, at Darlington businesses Saturday morning to shop for gifts to give to veterans who are hospitalized at VA Hospital in Madison. Funds used to purchase gifts were all donated by area businesses and organizations. After shopping, the students and officers returned to the Darlington Police Department to wrap the gifts and enjoy lunch donated by Subway of Darlington.

Lamers Bus Lines Inc. of Darlington donated a bus and driver to transport the officers and students to Madison where they presented gifts to long-term care patients at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. Students were treated to Culver’s on the bus ride home.

Each year the officers and students go to Madison the response is the same. The veterans are thankful. There’s a lot of learning, laughter and even some tears. One veteran’s ‘thank you’ to the participants this year summed up how most feel about the experience: “Thank You! To all the students, Police Officers and Community members who ‘shopped with a cop,’ visit to the VA Hospital in Madison. Your visit and care package is greatly appreciated! I thank you all for your compassion and continued support of our nation’s veterans.

You brought a tear to my eye but a lift to a heavy heart...love and big hugs back to you! Thank you Darlington PD and the community for your support.”

Darlington Police officers point out there are countless opportunities for both officers and students to learn valuable life lessons as a result of this program. Participants are exposed to the concept of volunteering, the principle of shopping local, the ideal of giving rather than receiving, the benefits of building partnerships between the youth and police and the importance of remembering our nation’s veterans, especially during a difficult time in their lives.

Many students who participate in the annual event are repeat participants. They have found such joy in giving to the veterans they want to be a part of the experience year after year.