When Steve Haynes, local Wal-Mart Super Center manager, moved to Greenville several years ago, he started the Shop with a Cop Program. The local Wal-Mart gives the Greenville Police Department as well as the Washington County Sheriff’s Department a $1,000 grant each to be used for the neediest children in Greenville who would not otherwise have gifts at Christmas. This program takes place every 3rd week in December.

The “Cops” and the children, along with the children’s families, are taken to Wal-Mart and provided a lovely breakfast, and each child is given a $50.00 Wal-Mart gift card. Then, each “Cop” is assigned a child and they begin their shopping spree. The children are allowed to use their $50.00 gift card for whatever they want for Christmas. The program is so moving that sometimes the “Cops” or other benefactors pitch in to match the gift cards. It is a wonderful experience for all involved.

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