Public Safety

Children, Law Enforcement Go On Early Holiday Shopping Spree

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San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies and Probation officers paired up with specially selected third-graders Saturday for an amazing morning that included SeaWorld and shopping for $150 worth of merchandise at Target.

In previous years, children were given a $100 shopping spree, but an anonymous donor increased the sum to $150 per child this year.

The 21st annual Shop With a Cop was held Saturday, Dec. 6 in which an officer from law enforcement agencies throughout the County were paired up with 330 deserving children.

The children were picked up and driven to Sea World in Sheriff’s buses, then were randomly teamed with an officer.

The children and the officers shared breakfast and watched a special show at SeaWorld then headed out to the parking lot.

 

In the parking lot, Santa did a flyover in a San Diego Police helicopter signaling all to head over to Target.

The children rode to the Sports Arena Target store in a caravan of law enforcement vehicles. As you may imagine, the sirens were blaring and the lights were flashing.

 

At Target, children were set loose in the store to buy presents for themselves, and if they chose, their family and friends.

The event was hosted by the La Mesa and El Cajon police departments and was sponsored by local law enforcement agencies, SeaWorld, Target, STAR/PAL and the San Diego Crime Commission.

Yvette Urrea Moe is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact