MOUNDSVILLE — Many Marshall County children enjoyed an early Christmas shopping spree thanks to local law enforcement agencies’ Shop With A Cop programs.

The Moundsville Police Department and Marshall County Sheriff’s Department both recently held events allowing dozens of children to pick out toys and clothes for Christmas.

The events were held at the Moundsville Walmart.

Moundsville Police Department Chief Tom Mitchell said 48 children participated in their event hosted by the Moundsville Fraternal Order of Police.

“Most of the department was there. We’ve done it every year of the 14 years I’ve been here,” Mitchell noted.

The event included a breakfast of free juice and doughnuts for the children.

“It’s heartwarming,” Mitchell said. “The kids are nice and we joke around with them. It’s fun.”

Mitchell said the children were appreciative of the gifts.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department’s event was hosted by the Marshall County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and FOP Lodge 112. More than 30 children got to pick out new toys and clothes for Christmas.

Marshall County Sheriff Michael Dougherty said he enjoyed the event and helping the children.

“The event was truly heartwarming for everyone involved – including the deputies, officers, and Walmart staff. The kids were extremely appreciative, and many expressed their gratitude for our presence,” he said.

“One moment that stood out to me was helping a little girl shop. Rather than picking out gifts for herself, she insisted on finding clothes her cousins would like first.

“She wouldn’t consider anything for herself until she had chosen something for them. We, as adults, can learn a lot from her selflessness. She was only 8 years old, yet already thinking of others before herself.”

Dougherty said hosting such events helps the community learn more about its local law enforcement.

“Unfortunately, law enforcement officers sometimes get a bad reputation, often reinforced by well-meaning parents saying things like, ‘If you don’t behave, the cops will take you to jail,’ or ‘Cops are not nice people.’ Events like Shop with a Cop help children and adults alike see that we genuinely care about our community and are here to help in any way we can,” he said.

The Moundsville Walmart, through a statement, said events like Shop with a Cop are a reminder that community matters.

“We are truly honored to host this meaningful tradition and to help create moments that families will carry with them long after the holidays are over,” according to the store. “We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Moundsville PD for the compassion, generosity, and joy you bring to every child and family involved. Your dedication goes far beyond the badge, and we are grateful for the positive impact you continue to make in our community.

“Walmart Moundsville had an absolute blast partnering with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department for Shop with a Cop,” the store added. “From high-fives in the aisles to carts full of Christmas magic, (the) deputies helped turn a shopping trip into an unforgettable memory. We’re so thankful for the hearts behind the badges and the joy they bring to our community. Thank you for making this season extra special for our kids.”