Nashville’s Shop with a Cop Program Marks Eighth Year with Record Participation

Nashville Police Chief Amy Marion addressed the Nashville Rotary Club on Wednesday, highlighting the continued growth and impact of the Shop with a Cop program in Nashville and across Howard County.

Marion noted that this year marks the eighth year for the program in Nashville. When she launched it in 2018, officers helped provide Christmas gifts for 30 children. This year, 75 children will have the opportunity to shop for presents on December 11.

She said the Nashville Police Department raised $16,000 for the event, including a $5,000 community grant from Wal-Mart. Each child will receive $200 to spend on any items they choose.

The Nashville Police Department partners with the Nashville Fire Department to take students from Nashville Elementary School and Nashville Junior High School shopping at Wal-Mart. Marion said 18 police officers and 25 firefighters will participate, with additional support from Mayor Larry Dunaway and the Arkansas State Police. The Howard County Sheriff’s Office also coordinates with the Dierks, Mineral Springs, and Umpire campuses of the Cossatot River School District to host their own Shop with a Cop events.

This year, the Nashville Rotary Club has also committed to purchasing helmets for any child who selects a bicycle with their Shop with a Cop funds.