Webb City Police Department held the 26th Shop with a Cop Saturday at Walmart.  

Former Chief Don Richardson started the program in 1997. It is funded with donations received from individuals and businesses in the community. Several businesses sell “badges” for customers who want to support the cause. 

Police Chief Don Melton says 100 percent of the funds collected are used in the program to help Webb City students and families.

During the first 25 years the shoppers have been limited to 75 middle school and younger children in the Webb City School District. This year, Melton notes about 60 junior high and high school aged students were also allowed to participate.

Families are also given groceries (milk, juice, ham or turkey, etc) when their children are done shopping.  

WCPD calls on other law enforcement officials in the area as well as the Webb City-Carl Junction Rotarians to help with the shopping on the first Saturday each December.

“We would like to thank the outpouring of community support that has helped to keep this giving tradition continuing for nearly three decades,” says Melton. “We have already started collecting and planning for 2023.”