The Houston Lions Club hosted its annual Texas County Shop with a Cop or Firefighter last Saturday (Dec. 16) at the Houston Walmart.
Houston Police Department officer David Kidwell was one of more than 30 law officers and firefighters to participate in this year’s Shop with a Cop or Firefighter program in Texas County.
Participating in the event were 45 children and more than 30 officers and firefighters.
“It was great to see the positive relationships being built between the children and law enforcement and firefighters,” said co-event organizer Bennie Cook.
The children were able to spend up to $100 apiece. They also received goodie bags with items from Sonic, McDonald’s, Hardee’s and Guy and Melissa Ceplina.
Donors to this year’s program included Houston Walmart, the Houston Police Department, the Licking Lions Club, the Cabool Police Department the Texas County Sheriff’s Department and a local donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
Cook offered thanks to numerous companies, organizations and individuals involved in making the program possible.
“It took all of these people and agencies working together to make this event happen,” he said. “This was definitely a county-wide event and it took everyone to bring it together.”
Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper George Falterman was one of more than 30 law officers and firefighters to participate in this year’s Shop with a Cop or Firefighter program in Texas County.
Shop with a Cop or Firefighter program participants gather Dec. 16 in front of Walmart in Houston.