On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Lombard Police Department and the Lombard Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will host its 21st annual Shop with a Cop event. The event brings gifts and holiday joy to less fortunate children and their families who live in the community, while fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and citizens.
Participating children are escorted in a convoy of squad cars to the Yorktown Target store where they shop for gifts for their parents and family, with the help of a police officer. They then return to Village Hall to wrap the presents and enjoy lunch. Children are driven home in squad cars and given treats to share with their families.
“We love being Lombard Police Officers and Shop-With-A-Cop is a great way for us to give back to the community that we care so much about,” said Sgt. Joe Menolascino. “While we love being able to help to make the holiday season a little brighter for these families, the true gift is being able to connect with our residents and get to know them. These are amazing kids and we’re proud to be part of this program.”
Anyone wishing to donate to this year's Shop-With-A-Cop, can do so by dropping the donation off at the Lombard Police station, or mailing it to the Lombard Police Department at 235 E. Wilson Ave, Lombard, IL, 60148; to the attention of Sgt. Sherie Eakins.