‘Shop With A Cop’ Helps Kids Buy Gifts For Parents, Siblings

LIVERMORE, CA — The holidays can be an emotionally painful time for families lacking the financial resources to shop for gifts. This year, Christmas morning will be a bit more magical for 30 children in need thanks to the donations and efforts of more than 40 volunteers including police officers, dispatchers, citizens and family members in Livermore. Police said all 30 children spent their $300 donation buying Christmas gifts for their loved ones last weekend during the Livermore Police Department’s ninth annual “Shop With A Cop” holiday event.

The department’s "No Shave November" fundraiser garnered an additional $4,000 for the program thanks to their furry-faced officers. Officers who grew beards for the fundraiser helped increase the spending amount for each child from $125 to $300 and provided enough financial resources for another ten children to participate in the popular program. The kids who participate are selected with the help of the Livermore Unified School District and the police department.

"What really touches the officers is that the child gets $300 to buy Christmas gifts for themselves and they always buy for their parents and siblings first," Sergeant Steve Goard told Patch. "It is so touching that it chokes you up."

The Starbucks on Portola Avenue donated hot cocoa and pastries to the children in the morning before the shopping trip. The Granada High band performed Christmas music and their leadership students helped the kids shop. Livermore High School donated their student union space so officers could cook a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and pancakes for the children and volunteers to enjoy afterward. Walmart hosted the shoppers and donated money.

After spending the morning shopping and eating, the children were able to wrap their holiday purchases so they will be ready to go under their Christmas trees.

Photos courtesy Livermore Police Department