‘Shop with a Cop’ makes sure hundreds of kids get toys for the holidays

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Hundreds of children are celebrating Christmas with Bibb Sheriff’s deputies instead of Santa Claus. The local chapter of the Fraternal Police Order hosted its annual “Shop with a Cop” event Monday evening at a Macon Walmart to help families during the holiday season.

“We’re trying to pick out some nice Christmas presents,” participant Ashley Johns said.

The president of the organization, Lt. Danny Thigpin, says they were expected more than 125 kids to participate. They picked out toys, clothes, bicycles, and much more.

“Deputy Johnson has been real nice with them. He’s been helping them pick out certain things and asking them what they like,” participant Kevin Kendrick said.

“We try to do anywhere from $80 to $100 and whatever they do get we don’t tell them to put anything back,” Thigpin said.

Parents tells 41NBC this was an opportunity to spend time with their kids and get them gifts they may not have been able to get them this year.

The organization also donated several bikes to the Salvation Army of Central Georgia.

“I asked them for bicycles and he donated 10 bicycles. So I asked for five more today and he made it 15 bicycles,” Walter Timely with the Salvation Army said. “I just want to thank the Fraternal Order of Police for making so many children happy on Christmas day.”

“It helps us a lot, really does. You know everybody is in times of need, and this year we’re especially struggling, so it really helps give the kids a good Christmas,” Johns said.

“Just thankful for all of them and all the hard work that they do and what they’re doing for the kids tonight,” Mosely added.

Thigpin says all the kids leave with a smile after shopping with a cop for Christmas gifts.

“I know when we get through this we’ve done something that makes a bunch of kids really happy and they’ll get a Christmas,” he said.

Thigpin says he is thankful for Middle Georgia’s support and helping them make sure everyone has a great holiday.