On December 6th, Clay Center will host its seventh annual Shop With a Cop event. 

A total of 50 area kids will get $100 to spend at Gibson’s, where they can purchase items for themselves or holiday gifts for family members. 

The program began in 2018 when a Milford citizen gave funds after seeing a similar program in Junction City. 

It remained privately funded until 2022, when that donor passed away. Since 2023, Lighthouse for Christ has provided $5,000. Director Abby Sprague said the majority comes from the Festival of Trees. 

Gibson’s also offers a 20% discount for the event.  

The day will start at the Elks in Clay Center, where members will serve breakfast to the kids. They also hear the story of Christmas. 

Next, USD 379 buses the kids to Gibson’s, where they are assigned to a first responder for the shopping excursion. 

Now with 50 school-age kids, volunteers from the Fire Department and EMS are also included, said Chief of Police Bill Robinson. 

“It’s not really shop with a cop, it’s shop with a first responder,” he said, adding that the program has grown significantly since it began. 

“It’s so fun I think it’s the best thing we do all year.” 

Robinson said the kids are allowed to pick whatever they want, though they are encouraged by Lighthouse staff to include gifts for their families. 

Gift wrapping is also available so children can surprise family members. 

Participating kids are chosen by USD 379 counselors.

“They know which kids are struggling or who’s having a tough time, it’s not always financial,” he said. 

“It’s a chance for the kids to bond with us and develop some rapport.” 

Robinson also said everyone involved enjoys the program, from the kids shopping to Gibson’s employees to the volunteers helping them shop. 

He’s also had shoppers hand him cash and tell him to buy the child something extra. 

“A lot of people step up to make this happen.”