‘Shop with a Cop’ provides holiday gifts to area youngsters

Technically, he wasn’t on duty. Even so, Joe Simon reported to the Warrenton Walmart bright and early Dec. 17.

Sporting reindeer antlers and wielding a price gun, the sales associate said he was happy to help the law enforcement officers and children participating in the 14th annual Shop with a Cop outing.

“I started doing this when I lived in Manassas,” Simon explained. “I think it’s a very worthy cause.”

“Shop with a Cop” allows Fauquier deputies, Virginia state troopers and Warrenton police officers to treat children they’ve had contact with during the year to a holiday shopping spree.

This year, 37 officers, their friends, family members and other volunteers helped 57 kids with their shopping.

Each child had a $100 budget. While most shopped for their families, a few decided to get a gift or two for themselves.

After shopping with Deputy Mundy Crummett for only a few minutes, Carissa had already put a toy dog and a doll in her cart.

Collin, who was shopping with Trooper Mark Brill, chose some yellow slippers and tried them on for size before heading to the toy section to get some stuff for his brother and little cousin.

“We’re just getting started,” Brill said.

Their destination proved to be a popular one. Shortly before 8 a.m., the toy aisles were packed with kids and cops.

Deputy Robert Settle kept a close eye on Joseph and Jaden as they tried to decide which trucks and cars to get.

“This is my first [time doing this],” Settle said. “I was really looking forward to it. It is very humbling.”

After they worked up a healthy appetite, everyone went to Fauquier High School, where even more volunteers cooked breakfast.

The kids also got a chance to meet Santa Claus while their gifts were being wrapped.

Michelle Arft, who helps coordinate the annual outing, said generous community support made this year’s event possible.

“It is very heartwarming to know people were so generous, especially in these economic times,” she said.