The University of Michigan Police Department (UMPD) is proud to partner with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) for the 2024 Shop With A Cop events that kicked off on the evening of Tuesday, Dec 3. The event’s mission is to provide children and families with financial support while they have fun and engage with local law enforcement officers.
For over two decades, this event has helped make the holiday season a special time for participating families. This year, over 110 children were able to shop with officers from around the county, and 100 more will still be able to later this month.
“Shop with a cop is such a special and magical event,” said Officer Craig Harvey of the UMPD. “It gives first responders a chance to engage with the community in a different light, and the wonderful smiles on their faces will forever be remembered by the first responders. Giving back to the community that we serve is why we got into this profession in the first place.”
Tuesday’s event was held at Meijer in Scio Township, and 10 different police agencies from around the county are participating in the event this year.
“Shop With a Cop is so dear to my heart for several reasons,” said Sgt. Eugene Rush of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. “We are here within the profession to protect and serve and we recognize the disparities and inequities within some of our communities and to be able to give and provide help, resources, necessities and Christmas Gifts to those in need, is the greatest gift of all. Not to mention the smiles on the children’s faces and the amazing time they have with the officers, and everyone involved.”
Shop With A Cop events are completely funded by the generosity of members of the community through donations, and there is still a chance to support the event this year. Participating families will still have one more chance to Shop With A Cop before Christmas, and every donation helps continue the success of making the holiday special.
The goal for 2024 is to be able to provide each child with a fun evening that they won’t forget, and will go home with gift cards to spend at local stores and restaurants, presents, new winter wear, and a visit with Santa. Due to the nature and logistics of the events, the WCSO is asking that all donations be financial, as opposed to goods or gift cards.
Financial donations can be made three ways:
Sent by mail:
Shop With A Cop
4101 Washtenaw Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Sent online:
Click Here
Drop Off Donation:
Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office
2201 Hogback Rd., Ann Arbor MI
Front Desk during business hours, M-F 8am-5pm
Other participating police agencies in the county include the Michigan State Police, Ann Arbor Police Department, Ypsilanti Police Department, Chelsea Police Department, Saline Police Department, Northfield Township Police Department, Milan Police Department, and the Eastern Michigan University Department of Public Safety, among others.
Any donation can help make the holiday season a little better for our community. The UMPD and all participating agencies appreciate the generosity and support for this wonderful event.