12/17/2025
Winnfield, LA—The 19th Annual Shop with a Cop was considered a total success on Saturday. Even the weather, though warm, cooperated.. A community became participants in providing a Christmas for a number of children. This year totaled 55, not as many due to some unplanned issues.
The kids were assisted in their shopping by representatives from the police department which includes officers, 911 operators, jailers and secretaries. Also seen shopping was Mayor Hamm and Walmart associates. While Santa and Mrs. Clause were present for the entire day, there were some special visitors prior to the parade: a Christmas Tree, a Gingerbread Man, and of course, the
Grinch. Children, families and volunteers met at the Police Station where the children were allowed to ride special service vehicles and police cars followed by parents and friends in their cars which made for a parade that stretched for about 2 miles. There was plenty of noise to welcome the Christmas season as sirens wailed throughout the parade.
This event is only made possible through donations by businesses, private citizens, and the annual Boot Drive that was conducted by the police department along with volunteers from Mount Grace. Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter headed this community project. An accounting of the money will be published at a later date. “I cannot thank the community and volunteers enough for the outpouring of love and spirit that goes into this program,” stated Winnfield Chief of Police, Johnny Ray Carpenter. “Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!”
