Guthrie Police Shop with a Cop Fundraiser Seeks Community Support

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The Guthrie Police Department is looking for volunteers, cornhole boards and community support for their first annual Shop with a Cop fundraiser, set for 9 a.m. Saturday, October 24, at Longhurst Park.

This event will feature a cornhole tournament, food, music from DJ Eric, bounce houses and family activities. Teams of two can register for $50 through the 21st of October. Cash winnings include $400 awarded for first place and $200 for second. Registration is available in person at City Hall or the police department, or the event flyer’s QR code.


(Guthrie Police Department's Shop With A Cop Flyer)


Police Chief Kevin Saunders adressed the event at Tuesday's city council meeting, “Even if you don't play, come out, eat some food, hang out with us, come see our guys, come talk to us, come be part of the community".

More Money, More Children

The department's new Shop with a Cop program is designed to giving selected children the chance to shop for Christmas gifts alongside local officers.


(Screenshot from We Are Guthrie, KY Facebook group city council meeting live stream October 13th, 2026, courtesy of Brad Lee Stewart)


Kevin initially set a $5,000 goal, enough to serve 25 children at $200 each. He told the council that local business support had already pushed fundraising beyond that amount, "Guthrie is really coming through". Even though the goal has been reached, he's pushing forward saying now at $10,000 he can serve 50 children.

The department plans to select children through community nominations, with multiple ways to nominate so families who feel uncomfortable putting themselves forward can still participate. Details of the nomination process were not detailed.

An Experience That Sealed the Deal

While seeking business support, Kevin met a woman who told him she had participated in Shop with a Cop at age five. Decades later, she still remembered the officer, the toys she chose and the experience. She told him it changed her entire perception of police officers.


(Screenshot from We Are Guthrie, KY Facebook group city council meeting live stream October 13th, 2026, courtesy of Brad Lee Stewart)


“If I can do that with one of them 25, or if I get one of them 50, I'm winning. I'm cool with that,” Kevin told the council.

Planning for the Future

“This is the first big fundraiser, but it sure ain't gonna be the last,” Kevin said.

He proceeded to ask the council to approve a separate account dedicated to police fundraising, keeping proceeds distinct from other city funds. After discussion, the council approved his request.


(Screenshot from We Are Guthrie, KY Facebook group city council meeting live stream October 13th, 2026, courtesy of Brad Lee Stewart)


How many Guthrie children will be shopping with a cop this year? That detail has yet to be decided. But do know is that Kevin is continuing to working and make that number grow. 


** Correction issued on 10/15/2026** - The date for the livestream screenshots were originally published as the October 14th, 2026. The city council meeting and livestream occurred on the 13th. The record has been updated to reflect accordingly. 

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