Shop with a Cop event returns Saturday

Sarasota Police Department’s annual Shop with a Cop event — in association with Sarasota Housing Authority, Breeze Transit and Target — will return from 6 to 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Target store at 5350 Fruitville Road.

The SHA will pair 125 children with SPD officers to shop for holiday gifts. 

“For almost 15 years, our collaboration with the Sarasota Housing Authority on the Shop with a Cop program has been a powerful reminder of why we serve,” said Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche in a news release. “Sharing this experience with children, helping them choose gifts, hearing their stories and being a part of their holiday joy is something our officers and civilian employees cherish each year.”

Sarasota Housing Authority raises more than $19,000 for this event through its 501(c)(3) affiliate, Sarasota Housing Funding Corp. This year’s event will be made possible through donations by Communities Unified, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Target, First Horizon Foundation and other private donors.

Donations provide Target gift cards that officers and civilian employees will use at check out for each of the young shoppers.

“This special event showcases SHA’s commitment to providing positive, uplifting experiences for our youth while promoting mutual respect with our Sarasota police partners," said Sarasota Housing Authority CEO William Russell in the release. “Many of our kids who have participated in past events reminisce about what a positive experience it was to shop with and get to know SPD officers.”

Donations for Shop with a Cop may be made through the Sarasota Housing Funding Corp. Checks can be made payable to the Sarasota Housing Funding Corp. with “Shop with a Cop” in the memo line. Checks or cash donations may be dropped off at the Sarasota Housing Authority office at 269 S. Osprey Ave. in downtown Sarasota. For information, call 941-361-6210, ext. 221.