Police departments throughout McHenry County hosted their joint annual “Shop with a Cop” this month to provide almost 200 children with clothing and toys during the holiday season.
Shop with a Cop is an event where less fortunate children shop with police officers for the holidays.
The event is made possible through community partnerships, donations and fundraisers.
The McHenry County Police Charities hosted their annual Shop with a Cop event on December 3.
The event was attended by the Harvard Police Department, Lake in the Hills Police Department, Woodstock Police Department, Huntley Police Department, Crystal Lake Police Department, McHenry Police Department, Algonquin Police Department, Hebron Police Department, McHenry County Conservation District Police Department, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police.
Officers with each of the departments volunteered their time to participate.
The organization called the event a success and said almost 200 children and law enforcement officers from nearly every jurisdiction participated.
Due to the large size of the event, officers and children shopped at three separate Walmart locations across McHenry County.
Over $40,000 was spent, according to McHenry County Police Charities.
The children were picked up by an officer in a squad car and taken to Walmart where they were given a set amount of money to spend on anything they wanted.
Each child also received a coat and any winter gear they needed.
They were then taken to breakfast with Santa and their officer, while their present was wrapped up.
“It is the mission of the Shop With a Cop program to ensure each child knows they are deserving of such gifts as well as to develop a positive relationship between local police officers and youngest members of our community,” the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said.
The Algonquin Police Department said their officers had a blasta and Santa brought the festive vibes. “Spending time with all the amazing kids made it truly special,” the department said.
“It always brightens our day and makes our holiday season so special to be able to participate, meet some awesome families and to get to spend time with such fantastic kids,” the Lake in the Hills Police Department said.