When Monroe Police Department Detective Spencer Robinson's 4-year-old son expressed dismay over the reality that some kids are less privileged than others, the detective was inspired to take action.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
The Monroe Police Department's inaugural Shop with a Cop event took place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21. Entirely funded by donations, a total of 10 Monroe children were selected on a referral basis to receive a shopping spree, courtesy of the MPD's new Shop with a Cop program.
A total of eight patrol officers, three detectives, one sergeant and one deputy chief all signed up to volunteer their time, as did several members of the administrative staff.
After being paired with a law enforcement officer, each child was given a budget, and allowed to shop for themselves, their parents and their siblings.
The day began at the Monroe Fred Meyer store, and then transitioned over to the new Walmart. After their shopping excursions were complete, the entire crew went to the Monroe McDonald's for dinner.
The Shop with a Cop event was spearheaded by Detective Robinson, who has been with the Monroe Police Department for over nine years.
"We hope to make it a sustainable annual event for kids,GÇ¥ said Robinson. "I foresee a great long-term future for Monroe kids who need some Christmas cheer.GÇ¥
While the Shop with a Cop concept is not unique to Monroe, it hasn't been done in Monroe in the past. It was a recent interaction that Robinson had with his son that really motivated him to want to do something to make a difference GÇô when he was approached by the 4-year-old who wanted to know if it was really true that some kids didn't have a mom or dad.
"He asked it with suspicious disbelief, as if someone had lied to him. When I asked him why he was asking, he said he had heard that somewhere,GÇ¥ said Robinson. "I told him it was true.GÇ¥
Still incredulous, his son then asked if it was also true that some kids didn't have homes. Detective Robinson had no choice but to confirm that yes, it was true that some kids didn't have homes.
"The sadness in his eyes inspired me to do something more, and this is the product of my son's inspiration,GÇ¥ said Robinson. "What's really awesome is that it has inspired others to participate, as well.GÇ¥
During the planning stages of the event, the MPD reached out to other agencies with existing Shop with a Cop programs to find out what worked well and what didn't. They made the decision to navigate their funding so that kids wouldn't necessarily have to choose between purchasing a warm coat or an exciting new toy. They wanted them to be able to do both, if necessary.
Robinson said that calling the parents and guardians to notify them that their child had been selected to take part in Shop with a Cop were the best phone calls he's made in 14 years of law enforcement.
One Fred Meyer customer was moved to tears at the sight of 13 uniformed police officers being led through the store by excited kids who tugged on their hands eagerly as they urged them toward the toy aisle. Other customers stopped by to ask what was going on, and offered words of gratitude when the event was explained to them.
"Fred Meyer, Walmart and McDonald's stepped up bigtime and gave free food as well as discounted merchandise to help stretch the kids' budget,GÇ¥ said Robinson. "Bottom line, the Monroe Police Officers, citizens and businesses in this city care about kids, and it shows through actions, not just words.GÇ¥
Shop with a Cop did not impact first responder staffing, as MPD remained fully staffed throughout the day on Sunday. The Monroe Police Department hopes to hold the Shop with a Cop event on a yearly basis.
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