Kids Shop with Cops

Local law enforcement officers teamed up with Wenatchee 4th graders armed with $100 Hooked on Toys gift cards for the annual holiday Shop with a Cop event. Upon arriving at the popular toy store, students were paired with law enforcement "shopping buddies" who helped them load their carts and check off gifts on their holiday lists. The officers, deputies, and troopers on scene navigated shopping carts through the packed aisles of Hooked on Toys, reaching top shelves for gifts, helping make tough decisions on which toy siblings would like best, and keeping track of spending. 

After their shopping trip, students were whisked away by a yellow bus to the Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center, where eager volunteers, including the Wenatchee Wild, Santa, and WV Tech’s law enforcement program cadets, were ready to help them wrap their purchases. They also enjoyed catered treats by WV Tech’s culinary program. 

Wenatchee School Resource Officer Corey Fuller was in charge of coordinating the event this year. “This is probably the largest turnout of officers we’ve ever had for Shop with a Cop,” he said. Fuller remarked that it just goes to show you how much the law enforcement community cares about our kids. Fuller and his partner, Officer Natalie Steele handed out smiles, posed for pictures with Santa, and helped kids with gift-wrapping. 

For the past ten years, Shop with a Cop has paired forty elementary students from the Wenatchee School District with an officer, deputy, or trooper from law enforcement agencies in north-central Washington. School counselors and staff selected students from Wenatchee elementary schools to participate in the unique holiday shopping experience.

This program is made possible for elementary students in the region through the generosity of Premier One Properties, the Community Foundation of North Central Washington Foundation for Youth Fund, and Hooked on Toys.