Skokie Police Union Organizes 7th Annual Cops And Kids

SKOKIE, IL — As part of the seventh annual Cops and Kids program, 30 children who attend Skokie schools had an opportunity to pick out gifts for themselves and their families Saturday.

The sixth, seventh and eighth grade students were nominated by the principals of their schools for the program, according to village staff.

Each was provided a gift card and was accompanied by a Skokie police officer as they shopped at the Walmart Supercenter, 3626 Touhy Ave.

Families were also provided pre-wrapped food after the middle schoolers finished their shopping sprees.

"While some children bought gadgets and gifts for themselves," village staff announced, "officers report that many bought themselves winter clothing as well as gifts and necessities for siblings, parents and grandparents."

More than $11,000 was donated to the Cops and Kids program by businesses and residents in 2020, including some anonymous donations, according to staff.

Local restaurants Dengeos, 3301 Main St., and Hub's, 3727 Dempster St., each held fundraising events for this year's edition of Cops and Kids. In past years, police officers and Walmart employees have volunteered their time to host the program.