19 well-deserved children, 23 Madison Police Department staff members, community agencies and members working together.....this all led to another successful Shop with a Cop event in 2013!
The Shop with a Cop event was created in order to reach out to those less fortunate around the holidays. If you happened to be at the Target (east-side store) on Sunday, December 8, 2013 you might have seen some major shopping being done by children and police officers. How does this program work? Children for this program are selected by school social workers based on good behavior and the financial need of the child. The children are elementary-aged and are matched with a police officer from the Madison Police Department. Other children in Dane County are also matched with surrounding police departments who participate in this event which include Dane County Sheriff's Office, Middleton Police Department, Monona Police Department, Oregon Police Department, Town of Madison Police Department, UW-Madison Police Department and Waunakee Police Department.
The fun-filled event starts with the children being picked up by police officers who take them to Target where they are matched with a police officer who helps them shop with money that has been donated. After the presents are selected the children are taken to the VFW where they wrap the gifts together and enjoy pizza that is donated by Little Caesars.
Shop with a Cop was founded in 2000 in order to ease the financial stress of families in Dane County around the holidays. This event provides for positive interaction between law enforcement agencies and the communities in which we serve to take place.
This year the Madison Police Department was paired with 19 children, however the entire program overall served almost a hundred children at the 13th Annual Shop with a Cop event in Dane County.
This event would not be possible without the support of those in our community. From those that donate money, Madison Taxi (for donating vehicles for transportation of the children), Little Ceasars, Blackhawk Church (for donating hats, gloves and scarves), the fundraising events throughout the year, VFW, school social workers and all the law enforcement personnel.....these make up just a small number of those that are involved in order to make this event successful. A major contributor for this event is Target (east-side location) and this event would not be possible without their support and involvement. Target has been our partner store since the Shop with a Cop event was established. Each year they are committed to making the day a special day for the children and the volunteers. By providing their own crew of workers, treats, supplies and snack bags Target's commitment and support is overwhelming and appreciated by our Department. It is a great feeling not only to participate in this event myself but to see the community coming together to connect with our community and to give back.
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