Sandy PD Delivers Holiday Magic

Sandy Police Department hosted Shop With a Cop at the Sandy Fred Meyer on Saturday December 6th, where they shopped with 30 local kids. These kids are nominated by the Oregon Trail School District, local organizations, and SPD officers.

Each kid is given a $125 budget to spend on gifts for themselves or loved ones. Officers escort the kids around the store, helping them shop. After the gifts are purchased, a group of volunteers wrap each gift. 

Officer Quentin Carter:

This is your second year in charge of this event, what do you enjoy most about Shop With a Cop?

I enjoy being able to help the kids and lift up their spirits, providing them an opportunity to pick out gifts they are excited about and may have otherwise missed out on. We get into this profession because we care about public service and helping kids is the most rewarding part of the job. This is a huge team effort and seeing it all come together at the end of the year is a rewarding experience. 

Do any stories or interactions with the kids stick out to you?

It's heartwarming how many kids pick out gifts for their parents and family members before shopping for themselves, and how excited they are to be able to get gifts not only for themselves but others as well. 

What is your hope when you invite a kid to Shop With a Cop?

That we will provide them with a positive experience that brings happiness and joy to their year, creating a lifelong memory. 

Chief Patrick Huskey:

How is the event funded?

This event is funded entirely by citizens, citizens volunteer groups, and Clackamas Police Officers Benevolent Foundation (501(c)(3) nonprofit)

What do you like most about Shop With a Cop?

Shop with a Cop is a great way to interact and give back to the community. While I enjoy shopping with the kids and seeing the excitement, I really appreciate the members of the community who walk up to us and ask us what is going on. After explaining what we are doing, they kindly and often graciously hand me money from their pocket. I'm often blown away by the generosity when someone hands me a $100.00 bill. Even the folks that have $5.00 to spare are very touching. 

What do you notice about your officers who are shopping with the kids?

Our Officers and the volunteers that spare their time to wrap are awesome. It's great to see the community come together for events like this. It's nice to see our Officers with a smile on their faces making such a strong impact. Often we hear how being chosen to shop with a cop made a kids day.