Guthrie’s Walmart saw a huge police presence this past Friday evening, not for a huge bust or serious emergency, but to renew the Christmas dreams of needy Guthrie youngsters.
Eleven Guthrie police officers were on hand for “Christmas With Cops”, run by the local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #105. The program provided Christmas gifts for over 60 needy kids in Guthrie, all submitted by local folks to the program for help. “This is over half of our total force,” said Officer Filemon Vasquez, program leader for this year. “We even have one of our lieutenants coming.” Guthrie PD has been doing this over 20 years, as long as anyone on the force can remember.
As each child came in with their parents, they checked in, then chose an officer from the available group to go around through the store and pick out their gifts. Purchased items ranged from Minecraft gift cards to bicycles to clothes to Legos to action figures and dolls.
“I am excited,” said Damerra, 2, of Guthrie. When asked what she planned to buy, she said, “A Barbie kitchen”.
As children came through, they also had an opportunity to get a photo with Santa Claus, to the amusement of onlookers. The store provided Christmas cookies and other goodies, as well as drinks for participants.
Also in attendance were some representatives of the Guthrie civic organizations who had provided donations. A gentleman who introduced himself only as “Z-Man” from Guthrie’s Territorial Riders, talked about their group’s ongoing support. “We donate to this every year. This year we held a special poker tournament just to drum up funds. Players would buy in, we gave away donated prizes, and all buy-ins went to the fund for this event.” Two others from Territorial Riders were also there, enjoying the results of their giving.
Brad, general manager for Guthrie Walmart Supercenter, said, “I know we’ve been helping them with this for at least 15 years.” He credited Debbie, who was the store’s main point person for coordinating the program, as well as Steven, Lisa, and Jake, who all played key roles helping wrangle kids and officers, taking photos, and getting the kids checked out with their new Christmas gifts. “We’re just happy to do anything we can for the local community.”