It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas.
The Moniteau County Sheriff Office collects donations for its annual "Shop With A Cop" program year round.
The sheriff's office received a boost Thursday when the California Fraternal Order of Eagles presented it a $1,000 check for the program.
Law enforcement agencies across the nation annually host "Shop With A Cop" programs. The program helps underprivileged children and improves relationships between law enforcement and the community by having officers shop for Christmas presents with children in the area.
Moniteau County Sheriff Tony Wheatley said his office works with schools across the county to identify children who may benefit from the program. He said this will be the fourth year the event has been hosted by the sheriff's office.
Wheatley said the number of participants vary with the amount of money raised for the program. He said 10-15 children usually participate, with 12 participating in 2021. Two of the participants last year were Tipton children who started a lemonade stand to raise funds for the program. Because of the Eagles Club donation, Wheatley said they may be able to serve additional children this year.
"This year, I think we might be able to take at least that number (10-15), if not more, especially thanks to the Eagles Club," Wheatley said. "Their generous donation, that helped us out tremendously."
He added the Eagles Club gift is the largest the club, which is an annual donor, has ever provided.
Steve Liebi, president for the California Fraternal Order of Eagles, said giving back to the community is part of the nonprofit's mission.
"Our purpose here is 'people helping people,'" Liebi said. "And so, what we do get in revenues, our goal is to pay our bills and pass it on to the community."
Liebi added his organization has given more than $210,000 back to the community since it opened its doors two years ago.
Wheatley said there are many benefits to the "Shop With A Cop" program, which go beyond the childrens' smiles.
"It's a good time for the kids, it's good for the community," he said. "They (kids) have balls of fun and it's not all about the kids themselves. Generally, when we take them out shopping, they'll get something for themselves but they'll also get something ... for their little brother and sister while they're there."
Wheatley said donations are accepted "all the way up until the day we leave to shop with a cop." Donations can be made at the Moniteau County Jail, 210 E. North St., or mailed to the Moniteau County Sheriff's Office, 110 N. High St. For more information, contact the sheriff's office at 573-796-2525.
CORRECTION: This article was edited at 6:57 a.m. Sept. 12, 2022, to correct the amount Steve Liebi says the California Fraternal Order of Eagles has contributed to the community.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — The California Fraternal Order of Eagles present the Moniteau County Sheriff Office with a check Thursday (Sept. 1, 2022,) in front of the FOE building for the annual Shop With a Cop program. Pictured, from left, is: Tom Winters, California FOE President Steve Liebi, Charlie Roll, Sheriff Tony Wheatley, Rick Smith, Dave Turner and Greg Buschjost. Underprivileged children are able to shop for new toys with law enforcement officers during the annual event held before Christmas.