Shop with a Cop 2022, helping 175+ kids smile more at Christmas

JOPLIN, Mo. — Despite the early Saturday morning, everyone was all smiles on December 10, 2022, more than 175 kids were able to ‘Shop with a Cop’ at Wal-Mart #59, 1501 S Rangeline, in Joplin.

  • CAPT DAVIS: Today is our Annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ where officers with the Joplin Police and Seneca Police are able to pair up with kids who may not have a great Christmas ahead of them, but we take them Christmas shopping today. It’s a great program we look forward to it each and every year.
  • Q: How many kids are here this morning?
  • CAPT DAVIS: This year we have about 180 kids between Joplin Police and Seneca Police, we both pair up. So kids are from Joplin Schools and Seneca Schools today.
  • Q: We are doing the math in our head? Each child gets $100 to spend on themselves and maybe someone special in their life. Wow! Who pays for all this?
  • CAPT DAVIS: This would not be possible without the generous donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, in and around the Joplin area. We are so thankful that each and every year they continue to donate to help make this possible.
  • Q: How is this event still special to you personally year after year?
  • CAPT DAVIS: This program is really special, when you get paired with a kid and they want to shop for people other than themselves. It really touches your heart. They maybe want to buy a present for mom, dad, brother, sister. It shows the true meaning what this is all about… helping others.

Fraternal Order of Police SWMo Lodge #27 members come together to help organize the event. Lodge members also donate money and time every year. Today we spotted Joplin Police Explorers, Joplin Police Sentinels, MSSU Criminal Justice students, Diamond Police, however dozens of others involved who were not able to attend in person.

Kids are mostly nominated by school resource officers and guidance counselors. They are each allotted a specific amount of money to shop. On a different day, which is more private, the foster children get to shop.

Wal-Mart #59 employees were numerous meeting kids and families in line with donuts, juice, milk and smiles. Dozens were there, including management, helping shoppers find certain items, keep the checkouts running smoothly, and perhaps cleaning up a spill or two quickly that happened while shopping!

I am not a part of this program, I just had to have my tires worked on today. But I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you all do!

Shopper talking to JPD Ofc 

Numerous other police departments and agencies across the area work to within their local communities to help those at Christmas. So there are opportunities to give everywhere.

Holding other events this season include (partial list, click each below to view):

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Local town announces up its Cocoa & Caroling Late Night Shopping Event

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces up its Cocoa & Caroling Late Night Shopping Event in Downtown Fort Scott.

This event will take place on Friday evening, December 9, from 5-8 p.m.

The Downtown Historic District’s shops will be decked out for the holidays with wonderful gift suggestions.

There will be free cocoa given by the Museum of Creativity in front of Sunshine Boutique while groups of carolers stroll the streets of Downtown from store to store during the event.

This will allow the community to support local small businesses and shoppers will have the opportunity to win Chamber bucks by finding mistletoe that is hidden in these stores.

Participating stores include:

  • Angie Dawn’s Boutique
  • Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market
  • Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog
  • Main Street Vintage & Co.
  • Museum of Creativity
  • Sunshine Boutique
  • Treasure Hunt Flea Market

INK! Book Store and Iron Star will also be in this event until 6:30 p.m. to attend the CASA event.

Local University host their Holiday Happenings event

JOPLIN, Mo – Friday, Missouri Southern State University hosted its inaugural Holiday Happenings event on December 9 from 2-9 p.m. at the Billingsly Student Center.

“The campus and community event is a way to celebrate the end of semester and the upcoming holidays,” said Ryan Orcutt, director of student engagement and the Global Leaders program.

“We wanted to create opportunities for members of the community to participate in MSSU traditions,” said Orcutt. “We also have a new tree for Southern Lights, and buildings on campus will be decorated in lights.”

This event included:

  • Makers Market craft fair
  • mansion tours
  • tree-lighting
  • carriage rides
  • appearances from Santa and Roary

Christmas is coming early to local schools

SPRINGFIELD & JOPLIN, Mo. – Christmas will be coming early this year for 1,800 students, teachers, and administrators.

As part of their yearly Season of Giving, James River Church will give each of them a unique gift.

KOAM’s Ty Parks was there today for the event

“As a church we love giving gifts, and letting children know they are loved by God is one of the most important things we do,” Chuck Greenaway, Director of Church & Community Care at James River Church, said. “We look forward to being in local schools again this year with a fun, Christmas-themed program and a gift for every child!”

James River Church has collaborated with local schools for 24 years to provide gifts and spread holiday cheer.

Five school blessings are scheduled this year, including a Christmas adventure, interactive games, and music.

Times and locations for Springfield:

  • Friday, Dec. 9th: Westport Elementary at 9:30 a.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 9th: Williams Elementary at 12:45 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 12th: Bowerman Elementary at 9:30 a.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 12th: York Elementary at 12:20 p.m.

Times and location for Joplin:

  • Friday, Dec. 9th: Dover Hill K-2 Elementary at 9:30 a.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 9th: Dover Hill 3-5 Elementary at 12:45 a.m.

Area schools are selected based on several factors, including the number of children enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program.

Donations for the gifts are provided by the church’s Season of Giving.

Liberty helps spread a little holiday cheer this holiday season

JOPLIN, Mo — Liberty Utilities and the community team up to bring a little holiday cheer to senior citizens who don’t have family or close friends to celebrate with. Lasting until December 12th, the program gets senior citizens from local agencies to help make their holidays brighter. Lasting until December 12th, you can pick up a list from Liberty at their office 602 S. Joplin AvenueJoplin, Missouri from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Christmas Light List 2022 fr. Joplin News First

JOPLIN METRO AREA — These are the light displays to enjoy Christmas 2022! Arranged in sections to visit easily and shorten drive times. Also when you click each DIRECTIONS link it will tell you how far from where you are at that moment.

  • NORTH OF JOPLIN LIGHTS
  • NEVADA, MO: Lights by the Lake, Radio Springs Park, 1100 College 👉🏽DIRECTIONS

Scroll below to enjoy other stories, events and features from the Christmas Season we cover!

Christmas Parade List 2022

Hometown Holidays on the Carthage Square (Ice Skating… more)

Carriage Ride through the Carthage Christmas Lights, G&R Carriage

Way of Salvation Christmas Light Display at Carthage

Christmas on the Square in Bentonville

Kansas City Southern Holiday Express in Pittsburg 

Lighting of the Pump at La Russell, Mo. 

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Two local food banks tell us how to help them during the holidays

Fox 14 and Westco Home Furnishings team up together to help give the 4-states food during the holidays. Fox 14’s 16th annual Feed the 4-States is happening until December 31st. We had Kelly Pulliam — the Operations Manager of Wesley House in Pittsburg — and Rodney Rambo — Executive Director for Crosslines Churches of Joplin — stop by. They tell us how you making a donation to them helps them feed those who need it most. If you want to make a donation to Feed the 4-States you can do so at our website until December 31st.

SEK Animal Advocates hosts a Santa Paws picture event

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Do you want a picture of your dog with Santa? Well, the SEK Animal Advocates has the event just for you. Happening at the Crawford County Historical Museum — there are several options and costs for photos. Plus, you can get a cute ornament for your tree! Options and prices are as follows:

  • a 14×6 photo and 4 wallets – $10
  • 14×6, 2 wallets, and an ornament – $15
  • 4×6 only – $5
  • 2 wallets and an ornament – $6
  • 4 wallets – $5

All proceeds from the photos will benefit SEK Animal Advocates to provide homeless dogs with basic veterinary care needed and to help them find their “fur-ever” home.

Take a Carriage Ride through Carthage Christmas Lights

CARTHAGE, Mo. — This Christmas Season take a memorable carriage ride through the Carthage Christmas Lights with G&R Carriages and pulled by Red and Charlie.

The line begins and ride begins at 7th and Walnut, between the Library and Central Park. “Rides start at 5 p.m. and go until the line is gone 10:30/11 p.m.”

  • $25 per couple
  • $40 per family

The carriage rides are these days weekly: Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Those four days, each week, until December 30th. Follow their FB page for daily updates or send them a message on FB if you have questions.

Decisions to close or pause services can be made without notice for the safety of riders and operators.  And of course for the safety of Red and Charlie!

There are so many more things to do in the Carthage and surrounding areas too this Christmas. Scroll below and see! 

Stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to cover more Christmas stories and events important to you! Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews email list so you don’t miss an article.

Hometown Holidays on the Carthage Square (Ice Skating… more)

Carriage Ride through the Carthage Christmas Lights, G&R Carriage

Way of Salvation Christmas Light Display at Carthage

Christmas on the Square in Bentonville

Kansas City Southern Holiday Express in Pittsburg 

Lighting of the Pump at La Russell, Mo. 

CLICK TO HEAR >> Joplin Christmas Radio fr. Joplin News First

 

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The SEK Humane Society introduces us to Maverick

Jasmine Kyle — Director of the SEK Humane Society — stopped by the studio with Maverick. Not only did she introduce us to Maverick — she talked about pictures with Santa at the Meadowbrook Mall. Your dog can get an adorable picture with Santa for $5. The event is happening between 5 PM and 8 PM. Another thing happening at the shelter is reduced adoption fees!  Happening from December 9th – 11th you can adopt a dog for $10 and a cat for $20. The best part is they’re all neutered/spade and come microchipped in case they ever get lost.  Plus, you get to help give an animal in need a new home!