Local police bring cheer as kids 'Shop with a Cop'

'I didn't even know,' one kid said. 'I'm so excited'

Alicia Devine, Tallahassee Democrat USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA
12/5/2020


Children scoured the toy section at the Walmart off Mahan Drive Thursday evening as they shopped with officers from the Tallahassee Police Department.

This year TPD partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend to bring some holiday cheer to 60 kids during the annual "Shop with a Cop" event. Each had a $50 budget and was partnered with an officer.

Parents followed their children around as they eagerly snagged electric cars, dolls and more from the shelves.

For 7-year-old Travoris Bunion, the Walmart trip was a total surprise. "I didn't even know," he said. "I'm so excited."

He got to hang out with his mentor, TPD Major Rod Looney, who helped him pick out a set of Hot Wheels cars and a toy Corvette. Travoris' eyes lit up as soon as he spotted a blue and electric green soccer ball.

Kymonie Pleas, 4, had been looking forward to her shopping spree all day. She repeatedly asked her mom when they were going.

"It means a lot," said Lakeysha Ford, Kymonie's mother. "It's a blessing, especially this year."

Kymonie didn't have a list of toys when she arrived but fell in love with a pair of pink roller skates as soon as she saw them.

On the doll aisle, Trinity Williams, 10, picked out an L.O.L. Surprise! doll that she wanted so she could play with her cousin. She planned on spending a portion of her money on a Christmas present for her mother.

"Christmas may not be what it typically has been in years past," said TPD Chief Lawrence Revell. "To help out just a little bit is exactly what we should be doing."

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Reach photojournalist Alicia Devine at adevine@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @alicia_c_devine. Check out her photos on Instagram @adevinephotography.