CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — More than 118 local children experienced an unforgettable morning of holiday cheer on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as Pickaway County’s annual “Shop with a Cop” event returned bigger than ever.
Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey called it the largest turnout he has seen in years, crediting overwhelming community support that made the day possible.
The Circleville Walmart transformed its Lawn and Garden center into a winter wonderland, complete with hot cocoa stations, holiday crafts, and professional photos with Santa Claus. Dozens of Walmart employees volunteered their time to serve drinks, assist with crafts, and help guide excited shoppers through the toy aisles.
Children were paired one-on-one with law enforcement officers and staff from multiple agencies, including the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, Circleville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Commercial Point Police, South Bloomfield, Ohio Investigative Unit, and the Pickaway County Prosecutor’s Office.
But the highlight came when Sheriff Hafey climbed onto a chair to deliver urgent “intelligence”: the Grinch had been spotted in the area, intent on stealing Christmas joy. Following a playful social media warning the day before, Hafey officially deputized every child in attendance, tasking the new “junior deputies” with keeping an eye out for the green menace.
“It’s all about community,” a Walmart manager said. “Our employees love seeing the kids happy, and we’ll be displaying photos from the day on our community board and in the employee area.”
Sure enough, the Grinch made his dramatic appearance — only to be quickly surrounded and “captured” with the help of the newly sworn-in junior deputies. Sheriff Hafey took the villain into custody amid cheers and laughter, ensuring Christmas remained safe for all.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Lieutenant Shad Caplinger reflected on the deeper meaning of the event. “It’s about celebrating Christmas, serving our community, and putting smiles on kids’ faces. Helping others is a blessing. “It’s a great day to come out and celebrate Jesus’s birthday for Christmas. It also reminds us of what a wonderful community we live in. I’m privileged to serve here, and the outpouring of donations is proof that this is about so much more than just law enforcement. The community has truly rallied around the spirit of Christmas. Helping 118 children this year is amazing. It’s all about putting smiles on kids’ faces and spending time with them. Meeting these youngsters and seeing the joy it brings to their families is incredibly rewarding. I’m so proud to serve such a caring community in Pickaway County.”
Generous funding and donations powered the event:
- Foundations for the Youth
- Local men’s clubs and women’s auxiliaries
- Individual community contributions
- The Sheriff’s Office “No Shave/Wear Colored Fingernails” fundraiser throughout November and December
- A substantial contribution from Walmart, including thousands of dollars and extensive staff support
“Events like this remind us why we do this job,” Sheriff Hafey said. “Seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces and watching our officers build positive relationships with the next generation — that’s what community policing is all about.”Organizers say the success of this year’s event has already sparked excitement for 2026, with hopes of serving even more children in need.
The Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for its next community event, Lights of Pickaway County, scheduled for December 22. The procession will bring holiday cheer to nursing homes and the local hospital, with Santa and Mrs. Claus joining the parade.
