Police, Target, REACH Foundation Teaming Up for Shop With A Cop

ENFIELD, CT — Police officers, The REACH Foundation and Target are teaming up for 2017 Shop with a Cop Event.

This year, Shop with a Cop will pair more than 200 law enforcement officers and underprivileged children, at three north central Connecticut Target locations, to shop for their loved ones and community this holiday season.

And Enfield is a host.

Each child is paired with a law enforcement officer and the officer helps the child shop for his or her family. The pairs also shop for a child from the community where the law enforcement officer serves.

The event begins with a ‘meet and greet’ over dinner, games and a visit with Santa, followed by a procession of
police cruisers, with flashing lights and sirens, to the shopping location. When the children arrive at Target they are paired back up with their law enforcement officer and begin a one-on- one shopping experience.

Once finished shopping, each child receives a goodie bag and has a picture taken with his or her law enforcement officer and Santa. The participating children are identified by schools, youth organizations, social service agencies, outreach programs, and service providers.

Here are the dates and locations:

• SOUTHINGTON — Dec. 7: 4:30 p.m. meet and greet at Crystal Bee’s, 240 Spring St.; 6 p.m. shopping at Target, 600 Executive Bloulevard.
• ENFIELD – Dec. 12: 4:30 p.m. meet and greet, Asnuntuck Community College, 170 Elm St.; 6 p.m. shopping at –Target, 90 Elm St. (Enfield Square Mall).
• MANCHESTER – Dec. 14: 4:30 p.m., meet and greet at Dave & Buster’s, 100 Buckland Hills Drive; 6 p.m. shopping at Target, 125 Buckland Hills Drive.

There is also an event in Milford.

The cruiser processions begin at the meet and greet location at approximately 5:45 p.m., then travel
to the designated Target.

Photo Credit: State police