Forty-three children participated in the 9th annual Shop with a Cop event presented by the Kent Police Department, Kent Youth and Family Services and Target.
Thirty police department employees took part in the 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1o shopping event at Target on the East Hill, according to the Kent Police Department. Target, which opened early for Shop with a Cop, is at 26301 104th Ave. SE in the Canyon Ridge Plaza.
Each child was able to shop for Christmas with one or more police or corrections officers using money donated by city staff and community members.
“It was so heartwarming to see all the children shopping,” one woman commented on the Kent Police Facebook post. “I loved hearing their excitement, laughter and joking around with KPD.”
It’s a happening staff looks forward to each year.
“This is hands down our most favorite event,” according to Kent Police. “So much so, that many of our officers have returned year after year, and their enthusiasm entices our brand-new officers to join. Some patrol officers had just finished working all night, but just couldn’t stay away.”
This year kids were able to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, (who helped to wrap) and were able to take home a few extra donated items to share with their families.
“We encourage the kids to buy items for themselves, but so many of them are more worried about getting presents for their parents, siblings and other special loved ones,” according to police. “We quite literally had to remind several of them to get at least one thing for themselves.”
Police Department staff thanked everyone who donated to the shopping spree.
“Your generosity allowed us to include more children than we had originally planned,” according to police. “This was directly due to your contributions.”
Kent Youth and Family Services partners with the police department to help select families/children for the event.
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Two of the children at the 9th annual Kent Shop with a Cop Dec. 10 at Target. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
Kent Police Officer Cortinas helps pick out gifts during Shop with a Cop on Dec. 10 at Target. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
Kent Police Sgt. Tung and a girl take a fun break during Shop with a Cop. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
