A program that began with a local deputy wondering how he could help kids enjoy a good Christmas season was launched December 9.
With the help of his co-workers at the Murray County Sheriff’s Office, Sulphur Police Department and National Park Service, deputy Blake Clifton reached back from experiences at area law enforcement offices to begin a “Shop With A Cop” program locally.
Clifton, who formerly worked as a deputy in Carter and Garvin Counties, said he participated in a Shop With A Cop program in those jurisdictions and thought it would be beneficial here.
“This is something I wanted to start with Murray County,” he said. “I visited with Sheriff Darin Rogers and Undersheriff Ben Flowers to see what their thoughts were about doing Shop with a Cop this year at Murray County. Both of them thought it would be a great idea. I told them that I would go around to businesses to get sponsors to help with the funding.”
Clifton contacted the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to determine the number of kids who would be eligible for the program and, from there, he began work to find sponsors.
“We wanted to take the kids to Sulphur Walmart to let them each spend money on toys, clothes, bikes or anything they wanted for Christmas,” said Clifton. “DHS stated they had 17 kids for us to take shopping this year and all 17 kids were able to spend up to $150.00.”
Clifton this week thanked the many businesses who chose to be a sponsor for this year’s event. “I would personally like to thank the following businesses that sponsored this event this year: Taber Law Firm, P&M Wrecker, C&C Contracting, Highway 177, CMS, 1st Class, Heavy Duty, Hilltop Animal Health, 710 Garage, Vision Bank of Sulphur, First National Bank of Davis, Snack Shack Central, Pitmon Oil, Mike Hellack Chevrolet, Rhodes Chiropractor, T&T Wrecker, Runyan Wrecker, Foster Trucking, Ryan’s Body Shop, Daniel Collision and all the other individuals who personally donated to this program.”
Clifton also thanked his co-workers at the Murray County Sheriff’s Office, Sulphur police officers and NPS rangers for their assistance.
He said he plans to continue the program next year and he “wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
