The Shop with a Cop program was established as a way to foster goodwill between the community and Law Enforcement in St. Mary's County. Through the Optimist Clubs and the FOP Lodge #7, State's Attorney's office, and corporate and private donors, the children selected by County services, Board of Education. This event is held twice a year, once during December for a Christmas shopping spree and once during the month of August for School Supply Shopping.

Through the support of the Law Enforcement, Walmart, the Optimist Clubs of Compton, Bushwood, Mechanicsville, St. Marie's, and Chaptico, and our volunteers, we ARE making a difference.

The day started at the Wildewood Shopping Center with fresh donuts, coffee and hot chocolate for everyone. After a briefing of what was going to happen we all loaded in our vehicles and started to WalMart. There was approximately 75 vehicles that were in the procession to WalMart, we were lead by Sergeant Bill Radditz from SMCSO and all intersections were blocked by law enforcement and we proceeded lights and sirens.

It was our honor to assist with the annual Shop with a Cop. Members of Bay District escorted three children through WalMart for a fun filled day of selecting Christmas gifts. After all of the gifts were purchased we proceeded to St. Mary's County Fairgrounds where the Optimist Club had breakfast for everyone and they wrapped all of the gifts.

It was truly an honor to work with these Men and Women in Blue.