The annual Dallas County Sheriff’s Benevolent Association Shop with a Cop program was held this past Saturday, and once again it was a joyous occasion.

Sheriff Chad Leonard says they had 58 children take part this year, and they were matched up with 37 members of local law enforcement. In addition to the Sheriff’s Deputies, there were also officers from the Clive, DeSoto, Granger, Urbandale, Van Meter, and West Des Moines police departments, Iowa State Patrol troopers, and State of Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement officers. The group went shopping at the Walmart store near Jordan Creek, where each child had $100 to spend on their siblings, parents, and themselves.

Leonard says Shop with a Cop has been going on for around 20 years in Dallas County, and he feels it’s an important way to connect underprivileged children with the local law enforcement. “You know, (in) this day and age it’s always a positive (to) let these young men and women see that cops aren’t bad people, and that they’re approachable people, and that they’re just regular people. They go out and they spend two-three hours shopping and they have a great time. (It’s) a lot of fun, I know the officers enjoy it, I absolutely love the program, and we’ll continue doing it for a long time!”

Leonard thanked the residents of Dallas County who once again donated generously to the program, and offered his appreciation to the volunteers who helped make the day a success.