OSBURN — First responders in the Silver Valley are spreading some festive cheer with the Shop With a Cop program. The annual event started as a way to build up a bond between kids and law enforcement and give kids a way to fund presents for their families as well as themselves.

Jason Woody of the Osburn Police Department said that this year, they are expecting about 100 kids to participate in the shopping spree in groups on Dec. 16 and 17.

The program for children in Shoshone County is organized by Osburn Police, and participating agencies include Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, Kellogg Police, Pinehurst Police, Idaho State Police, the Forest Service, Shoshone County Fire District No. 1, and Shoshone County Fire District No. 2.

Woody said there may even be a U.S. marshal participating in this year’s event.

“The kids shopping get to decide what they’re going to purchase. We don’t try talking them out of anything. It’s to build trust with them so that they know they can come talk to us and that we’re not as mean as everybody thinks we are. I’ve gone into a store and they’ll come up, ‘Hey, remember me, I was with you last year?’” Woody said.

Woody said the gift giving process for the kids is always streaked with a little creative chaos.

“One year I had a kid who bought his dad purple hair dye. It’s just neat seeing what their little minds think of and the excitement on their faces to be able to purchase stuff for their family,” Woody said.

Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey said there’s a transformation as the kids get comfortable talking to them that makes the event unforgettable for her.

“The kids are so shy and quiet for the first little bit, and then all of a sudden, you can't get a word in edgewise. It's awesome seeing them light up,” Lindsey said.

Applications can be completed through any of the local participating police agencies and the deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 4.  

To donate to fund Shop with a Cop, stop by the Osburn Police Department at 921 E. Mullan Ave., Osburn or email d.braaten@cityofosburn.org.

    A photo from the 2022 Shop with a Cop event shows Undersheriff Lance Stutzke and Deputy Jake End with their shopping partners.
  

Osburn Police Chief Jason Woody smiles with a couple of local kids during a previous Shop With A Cop.