Butler Area students shop with a cop to buy for others
BUTLER TWP — Eight-year-old Damyah Nesbith placed her older brother, Kymanis Nesbith, on the top of her Christmas shopping list.
She was among 40 students from the Butler Area School District who partnered with 50 law enforcement officers from local and state agencies Friday, Dec. 12, to shop for Christmas gifts during the annual “Shop with a Cop” at the Walmart Supercenter in Butler Commons.
“I’m shopping for my brother,” Damyah said. She said her 10-year-old brother is sick.
With the help of Heather Evanko, a veteran Butler County adult probation officer, Damyah was looking for a PS4 Gang Beasts game, a Lego set, a Nerf gun and necklace with a cross to buy Kymanis for Christmas.
“This is amazing for these kids,” said Evanko, who participated in Shop with a Cop for the first time. “I’m honored to be part of it.’
With grant money obtained by township police, each student received a $125 gift card to spend.
Sgt. Tom Vensel, who led the shopping spree, said the school district selected the students and provided them with transportation.
“We have a great turnout this year,” Vensel said. “This is a great opportunity for these kids to see a different side of us.”
He said police officers from departments throughout the county, state police, deputy sheriffs, adult and juvenile probation officers, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources rangers, wardens from the state Fish and Boat Commission and Game Commission and school district police joined this year’s event.
Because of the high turnout of officers, some of the students had two cops helping them pick presents.
“The kids are great. They get to shop for Christmas. The officers get some camaraderie with cops they don’t see often,” Vensel said.
One of the officers volunteered to dress up like the Grinch from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and wear handcuffs.
Vensel said the cops let the children decide the Grinch’s fate, and they agreed that he should be released after the shopping trip.
“It’s really fun. It’s really sweet,” said Eric Garnder, a counselor at Emily Brittain Elementary School.
Seven students from the school were among the young shoppers. She said the students planned to shop for their brothers, sisters and parents.
Deputy Sheriff Bryton McClure helped Summit Elementary School student Brody Donahue fill a shopping cart. Donahue said he was buying for his sister, parents and maybe his cousin.
“We love doing this and giving back,” McClure said.
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Buffalo Township Police Chief Tim Derringer helps Hunter Fennell pick out singing birds during Shop With a Cop at the Butler Walmart, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Local law enforcement officers line up with their shopping partners to kick off Shop With a Cop at the Butler Walmart, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Gunner Kelly and Deputy Eddie McGrady shop at the Butler Walmart during Shop With a Cop, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Local law enforcement shop with children at the Butler Walmart during Shop With a Cop, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Officer Erin McGarrity, left, shops with Lillian Walker, right, at the Butler Walmart during Shop With a Cop, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Local law enforcement shop with children at the Butler Walmart during Shop With a Cop, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
