He was shy and seemed a little unsure as he entered the bus for the shopping trip. He could have taken two snack items, but he selected only one. He had an amount of Christmas money given to him by Shop with a Cop and could have spent it on himself. Instead, he selected gifts for each member of his family; thoughtful gifts including clothing, food, and household items.
This was just one of the children who participated in the December 4, 2024, West Liberty Shop with a Cop. This was the first time I took the opportunity to participate in this event. It won’t be my last.
Even now, it is emotional for me to think back on the day. The children were excited and enjoyed the time they spent with the adults which included members of our police force, West Liberty fire fighters, other city employees, high school students, community leaders, community members, and police officers from surrounding communities. All helped the children with their lists and in picking out the items that would be part, if not all, of their family’s Christmas. Later, one room of the community center was filled with volunteers wrapping these presents.
It is at this time of year that I am most proud of being Mayor of West Liberty. The Rotary Club gathered and distributed coats to children and adults that will make this winter more bearable. The Methodist Church held a lasagna dinner to raise money for Shop with a Cop, Jeff’s Market sold low-cost Thanksgiving meals and gave those meals to people who could not afford them, and the annual Shop with a Cop event was again amazing. In the coming days, First Church United will lead the community’s effort to distribute food for the holidays. Please forgive me for not listing every community effort. This is a community that cares.
The amount of planning and organizing that goes into these events is spellbinding. The organizers for all these events work tirelessly to see that everything goes well. During the bustle while shopping, I asked Chief Houser how he keeps calm while ensuring all aspects of the event. His response was, “it may be how I look on the outside.”
A friend of mine told me that one Christmas during the Great Depression, he and his siblings each received a piece of chewing gum as their only Christmas present. This is a community that does everything possible to ensure no child has a Christmas like that.
At the lighting of the town Christmas Tree, I said that when I attended the 2023 tree lighting, I knew I was home. When I saw the smiles on the faces of the children who “Shopped with a Cop,” I was reminded that West Liberty is a great and caring community.
The Magi, who started the tradition of gift giving, had the foresight that gifts are as important to the gift giver as they are to the gift receiver. You have already made my Christmas a merry one. No gift could be greater. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Mark Smith is Mayor of West Liberty. He can be reached at 641-750-9278 or my email: MayorSmith@CityofWestLibertyIA.com.