In Jackson, Tenn., an extraordinary event unfolded as 20 lucky children were granted the shopping spree of a lifetime. This heartwarming initiative brought together the community and showcased the spirit of giving during the holiday season.

Experience the Joy of a Children's Shopping Spree in Jackson

Fraternal Order of Police's Annual 'Cops and Kids' Event

Santa’s helpers come in various forms, and in Jackson, they took on a special role. The Fraternal Order of Police organized their annual 'Cops and Kids' event with the Boys and Girls Club. As Jeff Sheppard, the local Fraternal Order of Police president, said, "This makes me feel like Christmas is actually close. Until this happens it doesn’t feel like Christmas to me." The children were given a generous budget of $225, which could be used to purchase toys, clothes, food, and an additional $90 towards electronics. One of the lucky shoppers, Ava, shared a few items on her shopping list. "I got Squishmellows, markers — a lot," she exclaimed. This remarkable opportunity was made possible through the support of several sponsors. As Sheppard added, "Luckily we have both corporate and individual sponsors and every year they come through for us. We really want to extend our thanks to them."For the past 5 years, children have had the chance to shop with either retired or current officers. Sabrina Anderson, the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson, emphasized the significance of this interaction. "Law enforcement are a special group of individuals to be able to spend time with, whether they’re retired professionals or currently working. We just appreciate their heart and their spirit." These children were not restricted to having a pre-determined list of items; it was truly an ultimate shopping spree. Anderson further explained, "It is off the top of their head for most of them. I tell them all the time ‘Think about what you would like to have. Think about who you want to share with.’ And so they really do, and they do a good job."In the past, bikes were a popular item among the purchases. This year, an old but reliable toy made a comeback. Sheppard noticed, "They usually try to get some movies. I noticed someone even got a hula hoop! I didn’t even know they still made hula hoops." After a day of shopping and spending time with local officers, these children were rewarded with a nice snack for their hard work.For more news in the Jackson area, click here.