Target in Columbia Heights was crawling with police officers Thursday as they shopped with 150 kids at the fifth annual Shop with a Cop day. Chief Cathy Lanier says this year she had no trouble finding volunteers.

Continue reading

“It’s a really good way for us to show the kids that we’re their friends, we’re here to help them and just have some fun,” says Chief Lanier.

Each team received $100 to do their Christmas shopping.

“She’s helping me pick out clothes,” says one boy.

Some officers brought kids from their beat. Officer Curtis Miller shopped with 13-year-old Dalonte Butler, who got a karaoke machine. He can’t see, but he loves to sing.

“Great experience for him” says Miller. “We spend a lot of time together so I’m glad to see him happy for Christmas.”

The Police Foundation gets business donations to make this happen every year.

“It’s the loving hand of the law, that’s what we call it,” says Joe Perischini, Executive Director of the Police Foundation.