Some things are pandemic-proof.

The deputies at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office kept alive its “Shop with a Cop” tradition last Thursday by purchasing gifts for kids, although not in attendance.

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 “Last Thursday, several of our deputies met with families at the Walmart on SW 19th Avenue Road (Easy Street) and the Walmart in the Silver Springs Shores for our 4th annual Shop with a Cop,” wrote the MCSO on its Facebook page. “There were a total of 20 children who were on the receiving end of these charitable events. Thanks to Walmart’s cooperation, the children were able to go around the stores with deputies to do some Christmas shopping for themselves and even pick out gifts for their families.

Both Walmarts went above and beyond to facilitate and host this event. They allowed the families and deputies space for meeting in the Garden Center, opened dedicated check out lanes, and put together a full Christmas meal to send home with each of the families for Christmas Day! Thank you Walmart for another excellent show of generosity!

We love to see our community come together to make the holidays special for our children!”

Thanks MCSO, and Merry Christmas!