NEW CUMBERLAND — Deputy Chance Weyand is fully aware that as the latest co-chair of the Hancock County Shop With A Cop program, he has some big shoes to fill.

Two civilians provide the bulk of the behind-the-scenes work, but with the appointment of Weyand, who is a nine-year veteran of the office who serves as the Prevention Resource Officer for Oak Glen High School, the program will see some tweaks.

Starting this year, participating children, age birth to 17, have to be present for the shopping that takes place on the morning of Dec. 15 at Weirton Wal-Mart.

The change is a logical one for Weyand, who stresses that one of the initial purposes of the program was not only to provide holiday gifts for children who otherwise may not receive them but also give them the opportunity to engage with police in a non-confrontational manner.

A graduate from East Liverpool High School in 2007, Weyand said that he has had the opportunity to see a well-run Shop With A Cop program in action.

“As a way to give back to my hometown and because of my love for the program, I’ve been fortunate enough to be allowed to participate in East Liverpool’s program most of my career. I also participated with the Hancock County program every year,” Weyand explained.

The civilian co-chairs perform the bulk of the behind-the-scenes paperwork, sending grant applications, soliciting letters and following up on applications. However, Weyand wants to be a little more hands-on especially in regard to perusal of the applicants.

As of 2023, this local chapter of Shop With A Cop, which had been founded in 1987, had provided gifts for more than 10,000 children.

Ninety-nine percent of funds come from donations.

The Hancock County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, which selected Weyand for this event, is holding a shirt fundraiser to benefit the Shop With A Cop program. Individuals can pre-order shirts through Thursday, online at https://ourapparelfundraiser.com/shop-with-a-cop/.

All proceeds benefit the program.

Donors also can mail checks to Shop With A Cop, P.O. Box 210, New Cumberland WV 26047.