The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department’s Reserve Unit has taken a group of children from families in need of assistance on a free Christmas shopping trip with its annual Shop with a Cop event. Undersheriff Chuck Heit tells WSJM News the trip was Saturday at the Walmart in Niles.
“This year we were able to assist 14 families, which included 29 children,” Heit said. “We have a number of businesses that are generous and donate to this program. It was a great day.”
Heit says local organizations donated around $9,000 for the shopping trip. He joined the reserve unit and says the kids had a great time.
“They’re very excited. A lot of times, we balance between some of the needs, like clothing, but toys as well. So they’re very excited, and the families are very appreciative. We’re very appreciative of the generosity of the different businesses and individuals that donate.”
After the shopping trip, Heit says the children got a holiday meal and help wrapping presents. Local schools connect the sheriff’s department with the kids in need of some holiday cheer.
