Sentinel file photo Children watch a cruiser pass as members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Mifflin County Regional Police Department, Lewistown Police Department, and Granville Township Police Department show up for the Shop with a Cop event.

LEWISTOWN — The United Way of Mifflin-Juniata partnered with the Pennsylvania State Police and several local organizations for five years to make Christmas special for children in need.

“Shop with a Cop takes children who were victims of crime, financial hardship, or other unfortunate circumstances shopping for Christmas,” explained United Way of Mifflin-Juniata Executive Director Colette Hartzler. “The children get paired with a police officer from their area and are able to spend $100 shopping.”

In October 2021, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Julio Trejo approached Oksana DeArment, the then United Way executive director, about partnering with the state police to bring the Shop with the Cop program to Mifflin and Juniata counties. According to Hartzler, Trejo had previous experience with outreach in Bedford County.

The Shop with a Cop program aims to build relationships between local law enforcement and the children of Mifflin and Juniata counties that bring both “thankfulness and inspiration” to all involved.

“We, as the United Way do not fund this program, we raise the funds for this event, so the amount we raise will dictate how many kids we can take shopping,” Hartzler shared. “We get nothing from this except a joyful Christmas experience and the knowledge we were able to touch a child’s life in a significant way.”

Last year, United Way provided 24 children with a shopping trip with an officer and hopes to reach that number again this year.

Children who qualify for Shop with a Cop can apply for the program by calling (717) 248-9636 by Dec. 10.

After state troopers receive all applications, they will select participants.

The 2025 Shop with a Cop event is set for Dec. 17 at the Walmart in Lewistown. Officers will provide event information, including the drop-off time, to parents and guardians of the selected children.

The children will then be checked in and matched with an officer to start shopping.

After shopping, parents and guardians will be asked to pick up their child from Walmart and travel to the FAME EMS building on Industrial Park Road for a pizza party, which has become a tradition as well.

At the pizza party, there will be a gift wrapping station where the children can have their presents wrapped.

“We are always so blessed to be a part of this event, even the kind employees at Walmart have extra big smiles when we are there,” added Hartzler. “It is always amazing to see the thoughtfulness of these kids as they carefully select items for Christmas with this money.”

According to a press announcement from United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, donations from area businesses and individuals determine the program’s success, as funds determine how many children can participate.

Because each participating child can spend up to $100, the United Way requests that donors consider sponsoring a child for that amount.

Additionally, United Way seeks food sponsors for the United Way-funded pizza party.

“No amount is too small. 100% of (the) donation (goes) to help the children right here in our area,” explained Hartzler.

Donation checks can be made payable to Mifflin-Juniata Shop with a Cop and mailed to 13 E. Third Street, Lewistown, PA 17044 or made online at www.mjunitedway.org with a note indicating that the donation is for the Shop with a Cop program. Additionally, tax-deductible donations can be dropped off at the United Way office or any Juniata Valley Bank.