More than 200 kids participated in "Shop with a Cop" on Saturday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - The spirit of giving was in full swing at the 17th annual “Shop with a Cop” event Saturday afternoon. 

225 children participated in the event held at Target in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood. 

The children had the opportunity to purchase gifts for members of their immediate family with funds that were provided by the program. 

The “Shop with a Cop” program was created to help build positive relationships between children and local law enforcement. It breaks down barriers and helps build trust between the community and police. 

When the carts were full and the shopping was complete, the kids and officers enjoyed activities, lunch and gift wrapping together. Even the K9 unit stopped by to join the fun.

 

“Over 200 kids were given the opportunity to bring home gifts for their family, some for the first time ever,” the St. Paul police department wrote on their Facebook page. 

The St. Paul police department works with local community groups who nominate children to participate in the program. The community groups and police department work together to raise the funds. 

For more information about the program, click here.