MORE THAN 30 YCSO PERSONNEL VOLUNTEER FOR TWO "SHOP WITH A COP" EVENTS

Published on December 17, 2024

The Shop with a Cop tradition carried on for its 27th year last week, and YCSO had more than 30 uniformed personnel volunteer to help the youngsters pick out presents for themselves and their families. 

The events were held in Cottonwood and in Prescott on consecutive days, with more than 100 kids benefitting from the generosity of the local communities (money spent by the youngsters comes from donations). YCSO uniformed patrol and detention deputies turned out in force this year (31 in all), donating their time and energy to help brighten the Christmas of deserving children and their families. 

The event always begins with a procession of law enforcement vehicles, lights and sirens on full display, heading from the original meeting place to the local retail establishment. Santa Claus flies in by helicopter, ready to greet the kids and law enforcement personnel. Plenty of photos are taken in the parking lot, and the smiles on the faces of the youngsters truly are a sight to behold!

Each "cop" gets to share a meal with their youngster, and professional photos with Santa are also included in the day of fun for the kids. And no Shop with a Cop would be complete without YCSO's own Deputy Do Right mingling with the kids, along with many regular customers and store personnel at each event. Next to Santa, Do Right gets the most photo requests of the day!

YCSO would like to thank the Cottonwood and Prescott Police Departments for their sponsorship and tireless efforts at organizing these great events, as well as all who donated this year so the kids could enjoy a wonderful shopping experience. And, of course, huge thanks to all the law enforcement men and women who donated hours of their time to make Shop with a Cop a truly memorable experience for so many youngsters and their families.