By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY —  The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its “Shop with a Cop” program where children who are in low-income families or are considered at-risk are given the opportunity to buy gifts for themselves this holiday season.

The qualifying children must be in kindergarten through fifth grade and live in Rowan County. The children are accompanied by a Rowan County Sheriff’s deputy or other local law enforcement officer to not only shop for themselves, but for family members or guardians.

Last year, the agency was able to help 11 students thanks to a grant from Walmart and local businesses and individuals who sponsored the shopping spree.

Each child will receive a $100 Walmart gift card and are partnered with a law enforcement officer, who will dedicate one-on-one time with that child for the day.

Applications can be obtained through the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.

The shopping day will take place Dec. 22 at Walmart Supercenter.

Students will take part in a 9 a.m. meet and greet at First Baptist Church, 223 N. Fulton St. where they’ll get to meet sheriff’s office staff and have a light breakfast.

After breakfast, each child will be paired with an officer who will take them to Walmart around 10 a.m. to shop.

Once they’ve shopped, the officers will then return to the church, have lunch, help the children wrap gifts, play games and make Christmas crafts.

All children will then need to be picked up by 3 p.m.

Anyone who may have transportation issues, contact Master Deputy W.R. Walker at 704- 278-9233, ext. 408050.