Photos by Heather Cathcart-Norris
Children from the community had the opportunity to shop with a cop before Christmas, bringing joy to everyone involved in the program. A group photo at Napoli’s Pizza after a morning of shopping, pizza, and fun is shown above.
The program, which brings local law enforcement officers and first responders together with children for a special shopping spree, provides a heartwarming opportunity for families struggling during the holiday season.
The children, accompanied by officers and first responders, were allowed to choose items to purchase within a designated budget. While many eagerly picked out items for themselves, several children demonstrated the season’s true spirit, spending part of their budget on gifts for family members.
“This event is not just about shopping,” said Conewango Officer Charlie Andersen, who organizes the event.
“It’s about building positive connections with the children in our community and spreading some joy during the holidays.”
Pictured is Chief of Conewango Police Dept. Jason Peters connecting with shopping participants over a slice of pizza.
The Shop with a Cop program held shopping days last week. It will continue hosting events throughout the week, with over 200 children expected to benefit from the initiative by the season’s end.
After a morning of shopping, the participants gathered to enjoy a pizza lunch generously donated by Napoli’s Pizza.
Napoli’s co-owner, Tom Clemente, said, “It is nice to see the kids enjoy a day that is for them.”
Clemente said they will have made 80-90 pies for the children who benefit from the program. The local pizzeria’s contribution added a warm and tasty conclusion to a day filled with smiles.
The Shop with a Cop program has become a cherished annual tradition, strengthening bonds between local youth, law enforcement, and first responders while ensuring families involved experience a little extra joy during the holidays.
Pictured are Warren City Officer Grey and 6-year-old Asia shopping.
“We couldn’t do this without the support of the community. The donations and contributions allow us to keep expanding the program and helping more families,” said Officer Andersen.
Shown are Officer Warmath, school resource officer, shopping with Levi, age 8.