Parsons Police Department Hosts Largest Shop with a Cop Event to Date
For Immediate Release
Date: December 15, 2025
Contact: Lieutenant Jason Ludwig
Phone: (620) 421-7060
Email: jludwig@parsonspdks.gov
The Parsons Police Department proudly hosted its 8th Annual Shop with a Cop event Sunday December 14th, 2025, marking the largest event in the program's history. This year, 39 local children were given the opportunity to experience the joy of the holiday season through a special day of shopping alongside first responders.
The event was made possible through the generous support of the Parsons Elks Lodge, who provided lunch for the children before the event. Children were paired with first responder shoppers from the Parsons Police Department, Parsons Fire Department, and Altamont Fire Department, reinforcing positive relationships and creating lasting memories.
Shop with a Cop is supported year-round through multiple community-driven fundraising efforts, most notably the Annual Duke Mason Christmas Concert and the Guardians of the Greens Charity Golf Scramble. Combined with numerous individual donations, these efforts allowed the department to generate over $16,000 in support of the 2025 event.
Additional fundraising highlights included officer-led initiatives such as No Shave November, and a new community favorite by bailing the Grinch out of jail, and donations from citizens and businesses across Parsons. These creative and collective efforts ensured that every child selected was able to enjoy a meaningful and memorable Christmas experience.
"This event represents the very best of what our community and our officers stand for," said Chief of Police Robert Spinks. "Shop with a Cop is about more than gifts, it's about building trust, showing compassion, and reminding children that law enforcement officers are here to protect, support, and care for them. Seeing this program grow into its largest year yet is a true testament to the generosity of Parsons."
Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd emphasized the importance of community involvement. "The Elks Lodge is proud to support Shop with a Cop and partner with our local first responders," Dodd said. "This program captures the spirit of the season and demonstrates what can happen when a community comes together to take care of its children."
Officers consistently note that Shop with a Cop is one of the most rewarding events of the year, providing a unique opportunity to embrace the guardian role of policing in a positive, meaningful way. With the continued partnership of community supporters, especially Walmart, whose involvement helps make the shopping experience possible, the focus remains where it belongs: on the children and the joy of the season.
The Parsons Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to all donors, volunteers, partner agencies, and citizens who helped make the 2025 Shop with a Cop event a record-breaking success. Through collective effort and generosity, the community of Parsons once again showed its commitment to spreading Christmas cheer and supporting local families.
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