More than 100 kids in Osceola County are being paired up with deputies to shop for Christmas presents. And for one family, this small act of kindness is making a huge difference.

  • Shop With A Cop program takes kids shopping with an officer
  • Osceola County family is grateful for the experience

“We are going through a little bit of a hardship this month. It’s been very hard on us,” said Maribel Manzano, the grandmother of 7-year-old Javanni Manzano.

This year, the Manzano household can’t afford a Christmas tree. But that won't keep them from feeling the holiday spirit. With a list in his hand and a cop by his side, Javanni went into Walmart as he partook in Shop With A Cop.

This is a program hosted by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Here’s how it works: Each child gets a $100 gift card, and a deputy accompanies them during their shopping experience.

“And it's better than what we have on a regular basis, we can go out and meet them on a positive aspect,” stated Lt. David Snyder.


Maribel Manzano hugs 7-year-old Javanni Manzano. (News 13 staff)

Maribel Manzano became Javanni’s guardian after her daughter died in a car accident a few years ago.

“I’ll just go down in tears and crying. It's been very hard, it's hard,” she described. 

For many families like the Manzanos, this season isn’t the easiest of times, but getting some of the items on their wish lists helped spread a little holiday cheer.

“Being around Javanni and knowing that she's here even though I know she’s not ... For me she’s always here, she’s always in my heart and we’re always together,” Manzano said.

Although the Manzanos may not have a tree to trim or a hall to deck, what’s not missing is what the holidays are really about: love.

There will be one more Shop With A Cop event at the Walmart in Poinciana on Dec. 14.