Updated Sept. 11, 2024: Law enforcement officers who played in the San Diego County Probation hosted softball tournament and those who attended donated approximately $9,500 in August. The funds will be used to support Shop with a Cop, a generous and joyous event where children get to spend a day at Sea World and have a $200 shopping spree at Target just before the holiday. The tournament champions continue their reign this year. Once again the San Diego Sheriff’s Department coed team and the Chula Vista Police Department men’s team took first place.
San Diego County Probation is hoping for a homerun at a softball fundraiser to support this year’s Shop with a Cop event. that will give children from around the County a happier holiday season.
Shop with a Cop is an annual event sponsored by local law enforcement agencies, Sea World, Target and STAR/PAL, a not-for-profit organization to help provide children with happy holidays and build positive relationships between youth and law enforcement. It’s been a tradition since 1994, and this year’s event on Dec. 7 will give children selected from local schools will spend a day at Sea World and receive a $200 holiday shopping spree at Target.
The softball tournament players hope to raise enough funds to sponsor 300 youth countywide.
Twenty-one law enforcement teams are playing in the tournament starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 through Sunday, Aug. 18 at the Sportsplex USA, 9951 Riverwalk Drive in Santee. Last year’s softball champions were a Chula Vista Police Department men’s team and a San Diego Sheriff’s Department coed team.
Departments participating this year include, County Probation, San Diego County Sheriff’s, Santee Fire, Chula Vista Police, Oceanside Police, San Diego Police, Lakeside Fire, El Cajon Police, U.S. Marshals, National City Police, and Carlsbad Police.
The community is invited to come cheer on their favorite team. It’s a $5 fee to attend for those 16 and older, which includes a $3 token towards a beverage. You can also support Shop with a Cop by purchasing event t-shirts designed by Deputy Probation Officer Natalia Lopez, as well as challenge coins, lapel pins and raffle tickets. Donations are being accepted. Please indicate that you want it to support Shop with a Cop.
