Local officers, Walmart team bring holiday cheer to children in Lamar

From the El Dorado Springs Newsroom

The Lamar Walmart Supercenter was filled with law enforcement officers and community partners, who gathered to bring holiday joy to children during the annual Shop with a Cop event.

Santa – Shop with a Cop

Officers from multiple agencies, including the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office and the Lamar Fire Department, joined Walmart associates to help children shop for gifts, many of whom were paired one-on-one with an officer. The event provided children with the opportunity to select toys, clothing, and other essentials while building positive connections with first responders.

Chief Deputy Clay Jeffries of the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office participated alongside Deputy Garrett Lukenbill. Jeffries said the event has been a meaningful tradition for him for nearly two decades.

“He enjoys it,” Jeffries said, noting he has been attending the event for years and believes he has only missed four since 2006.

Chief Deputy Clay Jeffries and Deputy Garrett Lukenbill

Throughout the store, officers in uniform and Santa hats could be seen guiding children through toy aisles, sharing laughs, and creating memories. A visit from Santa Claus added to the festive atmosphere, drawing smiles from children and shoppers alike.

Walmart associates played a key role in helping the event run smoothly, assisting with logistics and ensuring each child had a joyful experience. Organizers said the collaboration between law enforcement and the local business community was essential to the day’s success.

Community members expressed appreciation for the officers who volunteered their time and for the Walmart staff who helped make the event possible. Organizers said the program’s goal is not only to provide gifts but also to create lasting memories and foster trust between children and local first responders.

The Shop with a Cop event has become a cherished holiday tradition in the area, highlighting the spirit of giving and the strong relationships between local agencies and the communities they serve.