LINN — On Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office led the second annual Shop with a Hero program, working with several agencies to provide 40 students an opportunity to shop at Linn Thriftway and Dollar General in Linn. Each child had $100 per location to purchase gifts for themselves, family members, and friends. Most of the children bought things for other people.

“We love to see kids happy, and I am pleased with the cooperative nature of the program,” said Sheriff Mike Bonham, who helped plan the event but could not be there on Saturday. “A lot of businesses and individuals donated to this program, which is another example of the great generosity of our community.”

Capt. Travis Shaffer led the event on Saturday and said it was very smooth. 

“The Osage County Sheriff’s Office was thrilled to participate in this year’s Shop with a Hero event,” said Shaffer. “We enjoy the opportunity this event affords in being able to have one-on-one time with the children. Sheriff Bonham and I have participated in the Shop with a Cop program in the past at our previous agencies and have long recognized how meaningful relationships can be developed through this time spent together.”

Shaffer added he especially enjoys seeing how grateful and selfless these kids are while they are shopping. “That is a great reminder of what this holiday season is truly about,” he said. “This year’s event was also unique in the mid-year changes that the 2022 Shop with a Hero went through.”

A mid-year transition occurred when the Linn Police Department approached Bonham and asked if the Sheriff’s Office would take over the program. “Seeing how the event was expanding from last year and growing into other parts of the county, Sheriff Bonham agreed to take it over to ensure children in Osage County could continue their participation in the event,” said Shaffer. 

Moving forward, Shop with a Hero will be paired with Osage Caring Projects. “We appreciate their support,” Shaffer said. 

Representatives of EMS, fire, military, and law enforcement took time to help. “We couldn’t be happier with the hero turnout this year and we are thankful for each one who participated in the event and the agencies who allowed them the time off to do so,” said Shaffer. “Lastly, we would like to thank the Shop with a Hero committee members who worked behind the scenes throughout the year, devoting their time and energy, to ensure each child had the best possible experience with this event.”

Joining the sheriff’s office were the Linn Police Department, the city of Linn, Osage Ambulance District, Maries Osage Ambulance District, Chamois Fire Protection District, Missouri Department of Corrections, Linn Fire Protection District, Missouri National Guard, Rudroff Bus Company, Osage County Health Department (OCHD), the Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT), and the Central Missouri Community Action Group (CMCA).

Students were paired with heroes and broken into two groups. One went to Linn Thriftway, and the other to Dollar General, transported by Rudroff Bus Company. They had an hour at the first location and then switched before heading to Barefoot Event Center. They were greeted by members of the Wildcat Football Club and other volunteers to wrap presents there.

“They really did a great job,” said OC-ADCAT Education Chair Charlotte Bellsmith. “They introduced themselves to the kiddos and helped them wrap their gifts. They also helped them carry their loot to their car. The students had a blast with those kids.”

Santa Claus met the kids at Barefoot Event Center and handed out candy.

Acting Linn Police Chief Lt. Jacob Cottingham is pleased with the event. “I felt it went great,” he said. “To see all the smiling faces of both first responders and children alike was nothing short of a miracle. It was like I was in a Hallmark movie. I truly enjoyed every minute of spending just a bit of the day with the children, and I know the other first responders felt the same way.”

He added that it was great to see all the first responders getting together with a collective goal to bring happiness to these kids when normally that isn’t the case. “If it wasn’t for all the first responders who showed up that day, I doubt it would have been as successful as it was,” Cottingham said. “The child I was paired with, Reese N., was one funny kid. Trying to get him to laugh made the day worth it. His talking about Fortnite, Mr. Beast and other little things was enjoyable, even if I didn’t get what he was telling me about. He definitely got a lot of gamer stuff, that’s for sure, but he also made an effort to get his family some things here and there. I won’t ‘spill the beans’ on one of the presents for his brother, but what he decided to get was definitely hilarious.

“I’d like to thank everyone that could take the time out of their busy schedules to do this event, as I know it isn’t easy,” Cottingham added. 

Central Missouri Community Action Organizer Jenn Millard agreed. “It was amazing to see the whole community support,” she said. “It really was an honor to be a part of this great program. I really have enjoyed seeing it grow and look forward to next year.”