YOUR AD HERE »

Routt County youths shop with cops

Matt Stensland

— Christmas came a little early for 14 Routt County youths Saturday.

Cpl. Ryan Adrian with the Routt County Sheriff’s Office organized the inaugural Shop With a Cop event, which paired the youths with a deputy or Steamboat Springs Police Department officer.

“A lot of agencies all over the country do it,” Adrian said.



Walmart in Steamboat donated $1,000 to the cause, and the youths were given gift cards to shop.

“What’s more cool than shopping with a cop?” store manager Mark Meade said.



The Sheriff’s Office worked with LIFT-UP of Routt County to help select the families who needed a little extra holiday cheer. Representatives from the organization were at the event and said the call for help this holiday season from needy residents is overwhelming. They said over and over again that they are hearing about residents who cannot find a place to live.

The ground rules for shopping were pretty simple Saturday.

“It’s whatever the kids want,” Adrian said.

Sarah Chamberlain knew exactly what she wanted and quickly picked out two Lego sets.

“It’s awesome,” Sarah’s mom, Nadja Chamberlain, said. “This makes the kids smile.”

Adrian said he plans to do the event again next year, and he wants to expand it so more youths have a chance to shop with a cop.

To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247, email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @SBTStensland


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Steamboat and Routt County make the Steamboat Pilot & Today’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.