Shop with a Cop Benefits Albany Children & Their Families

The Albany Police Department and the Albany Peace Officers Association are pleased to continue partnering with Albany’s Target store to sponsor our annual “Shop with a Cop” event, which took place on Thursday, December 17th, 2013.

This year, Shop with a Cop invited nine local children to participate and gave them an opportunity to purchase holiday gifts for their family.  The children were chauffeured to and from Target by an Albany Police Officer.  While at Target, they were escorted by their partner officer to purchase their gifts.  The intent of the program is to provide the children with the experience of gift giving by offering the means to purchase gifts for their family in a safe, friendly, and supportive environment.

Members of the Albany Peace Officers Association volunteered their time to assist. Officer David Belman said: “It’s a joy to see the kids’ faces light up when they’re able to get something for their family.  That’s what it’s all about.”   Belman was joined by his wife, who provided her particular expertise as they assisted their shoppers, a trio of young girls. “It was fun,” he said.

After shopping everyone returned to the Police Department for cookies, hot cocoa and fun, while the children and officers were able to spend time together wrapping gifts.  The shoppers themselves were not left out—surprise gifts for each child were purchased and wrapped ahead of time, courtesy of the Albany Peace Officers Association.

The Albany Police Department was honored to have the opportunity to brighten the holiday experience for these families in our community.

Funding for Shop with a Cop is provided by Target Corporation and the members of the Albany Peace Officers Association.

To learn more about what the Albany Police Department does in our community, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AlbanyPolice