Newton police officers helped eight children shop for Christmas gifts at Newton’s Walmart during the annual Shop with a Cop program. Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess says the department has participated in Shop with a Cop since 2005.

“We really encourage giving as part of this program. So the kids are encouraged to buy gifts for their family members, which oftentimes they don’t have the opportunity to do. I would love to see their faces on Christmas morning when they give Mom, Dad, or another family member a gift they traditionally wouldn’t be able to do.”

Chief Burdess says the kids chosen to participate in Shop with a Cop are identified through the Newton School District and the United Way of Jasper County. 

The eight children selected to participate this year wrapped the presents they picked out at the Newton Masonic Lodge #59, and enjoyed a pizza lunch provided by Domino’s. Police Chief Burdess says another longstanding partnership the Police Department has through this program is with HIRTA, who provides transportation for the event.