BATAVIA “Shop with a Cop” brings kids and cops together at Wal-mart

The Batavia Police Department, The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and State Police each applied for grants through the Wal-mart Foundation.

The grants were approved at the store level, then the Foundation sends out money to each applicant.

This year the Batavia Wal-mart store budgeted $10,000 for community events.

$6,500 was available for the “Shop with a Cop” program this year.

“It’s a great partnership between the store and the community,” says Karin Westfield, Wal-mart Co-manager/Batavia.

“To have the kids involved, we partner with a lot of local schools, some of the kids are having a little bit of a tough time and in order to keep them from doing things that will get them in trouble and potentially harm their future, its getting them involved with the police department and the great things you can do with your community.”

“It is a great outreach program.”

About 40 law enforcement officers participated.

This is the second year for the program.

Last year 40 children participated.