Shop with a Cop

Dan Vanderhoef, an agent with the Missouri Department of Conservation, assisted sisters Mary Jane and Valerie with their Shop with a Cop purchases on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The annual program assists children in need with their holiday purchases and is funded through the Walmart Foundation. This year, approximately 30 children were invited to the event and given $50 gift cards to spend on toys, clothing and other gift items. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)

This is such a busy year, Santa needed a little help from his friends getting everyone's Christmas wishes fulfilled. Members of the Monett Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and the Missouri Department of Conservation participated in the annual Shop with a Cop program for children in need. Pictured above, with Santa, are Monett officers Jeff Martinson, Jay Jastal, Chief Tim Schweder, Don Massengill, Paul Ferguson, Mike Cooper, Dennis Camp, Bob Kauffman and Matt Houck; Monett Communications Dispatchers Sheila Massengill and Rhonda Divine; Lawrence County Deputy Adam Jones, and Missouri Department of Conservation Agents Dan Vanderhoef and Daniel Shores, along with family member volunteers. With assistance from the Walmart Foundation, approximately 30 local children received $50 gift cards to shop for themselves and family members for the holidays. (Times Photo by Melonie Roberts)

Monett Patrolman Paul Ferguson shopped with cousins Jose and Leslie during the annual Shop with a Cop program in Monett. With such a wide array of choices, some children had difficulty in deciding on their gifts. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)

Monett Patrolman Bob Kauffman guides Schylar Bilyeu and Seth Young through the selection of video games that intrigued the duo during the annual Shop with a Cop event, held Wednesday, Dec. 12. Kauffman supervised the selection of games, telling the pair which were age appropriate and non-violent. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)

Overseeing Shop with a Cop was Police Chief Tim Schweder and his wife, Anna. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)

Olivia Kelly sat on Santa's lap during the annual Shop with a Cop program that took place on Wednesday, Dec. 12, to display one of her chosen gifts, a Barbie camera. She also chose one of the popular Bratz dolls and a blue dress to round out her shopping spree. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)