KSP Troopers Treat Local Kids to Holiday Shopping Spree with ‘Shop with a Trooper’

Twenty children from local schools got a head start on holiday cheer today as Kentucky State Police Troopers guided them through aisles of toys, clothes, and games during the annual “Shop with a Trooper” event at the Barbourville Walmart. Armed with $200 each, funded entirely through community donations and year-round fundraising efforts, the children spent the morning shopping side by side with Troopers before heading to a festive lunch at Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center.
The annual “Shop with a Trooper” event was held today, as Kentucky State Police Troopers accompanied 20 children from local schools on a Christmas shopping spree at the Barbourville Walmart. Each child was given $200 to spend on anything of their choice, including new clothing, toys, games, or snacks. The funds for the event were raised through donations, fundraisers, and community support throughout the year.
In a statement, Trooper Shane Jacobs said they plan to host four separate events for the season, including Knox County, Harlan County, Middlesboro, and Corbin, where 20 more children will receive $200 each to shop with a trooper.
Jacobs shared that the event is a total community effort, adding, “It’s a way of us giving back to our kids, and this time of year, this is what it’s all about.”
Jacobs stated that this is a way for the Troopers to familiarize themselves, break barriers, give back, and experience one-on-one time with each child.
Following their shopping adventures, the Troopers accompanied the children to an early lunch at Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center. The children were served pizza, cookies, and hot chocolate, along with a drawing activity and pictures with the Kentucky State Police’s very own Justice, the courageous bulldog.