Shop With A Cop was held Saturday morning at Walmart, bringing happiness and holiday cheer to dozens of area children who might otherwise not have a lot for Christmas. Here, Howell County Sheriff's Department Cpl. Seth Smith helped Natalie Hodges, 3, of Koshkonong, choose some items, including some fashionable safety gear. About 110 children were given an allowance of $175 and paired with a public safety or law enforcement employee to pick out Christmas gifts for themselves or others, sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 43. Donations were made by Walmart, local businesses and private citizens, and recipients were determined by need. Participating agencies were the Howell County Sheriff's Office, West Plains Police Department, Mtn. View Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office and State Fire Marshal Tim Bean, South Howell County Ambulance, Air Evac Lifeteam, West Plains Fire Department, Howell County Rural Fire Department, Pomona Fire Department and the 37th Judicial Circuit Juvenile Office. For more festive photos, turn to page A5 of today’s Quill to see highlights from the West Plains Christmas Parade, and watch Saturday’s Gazette for snapshots from Cookies with Claus, both events having also happened Saturday.
