Berks County Law enforcement members took children shopping as part of Crime Alert Berks County’s 18th annual Shop with a Cop.
The event Thursday highlights community partnerships, making the holidays brighter for local kids through acts of kindness and connection with law enforcement, officials said.
Twenty five children received a visit with Santa, a $125 gift card and help from law enforcement officers picking out and wrapping gifts for their entire families at Boscov’s North in Muhlenberg Township.
Jim Boscov, CEO of Boscov’s Department Store, gives a gift card to Kaden McCoubrey of Schuylkill Valley Elementary, before he goes on a shopping spree with Northern Berks Regional police Sgt. Robert Wood during Crime Alert Berks County’s 18th annual Shop with a Cop on Thursday at Boscov’s North in Muhlenberg Township. Santa Claus, portrayed by Conrad Vanino, was on hand for the festivities. (Courtesy of Jeffrey Doelp)
The gift cards were provided by Boscov’s and Crime Alert Berks County, and many officers pitch in their own money to cover additional gifts. After the shopping, everyone enjoyed a delicious catered dinner while holiday music played.
Law enforcement participants included numerous officers from municipal police departments, along with officers from the Berks County sheriff’s office, Berks County coroner’s office and state police.
The event was organized by Cumru police Officer Leon Grim and Christopher Nein from Mortgage America.