LYNNWOOD — For the eighth year in a row, Lynnwood police spent a night last week taking children shopping for Christmas presents.
The “Shop With A Cop” event held Dec. 6 is one of the police department’s favorite traditions, police spokeswoman Shannon Sessions said.
Off-duty officers were partnered with local, at-risk children. They shared dinner and shopped for presents for the children together.
“The program is really all about fostering positive fellowships between police officers and families, particularly children, who don’t always get to see that side from police officers,” Sessions said.
More than 40 Lynnwood children and teens participated this year, Sessions said.
They were referred from Lynnwood-area organizations that serve struggling families.
Many of the children have single mothers, and many come from families that have suffered from domestic violence, she said. Shop With A Cop gives them a few hours when they can relax, get presents and see police officers as positive role models.
“Even if it’s just one day in the year, it makes an impact for a lifetime,” she said.
Lynnwood’s Shop With A Cop is funded by community donations.
More than $3,500* was donated this year, not including the donated food and drinks. Local organizations that gave included the Lynnwood Fred Meyer, Kuni Westside Infiniti and Yellow Umbrella Coffee.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
*Correction, Dec. 14, 2012: The amount donated was incorrect in an earlier version of this story.
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