Todd Renwick and civilian employee Ed Atwell were instrumental in the department's participation. For the past three years, the University Police Department has participated in the annual Shop with a Cop event. Each year, dozens of kids, whose families need a helping hand, are treated to a visit with Santa, breakfast snacks, and a morning of shopping with a local police officer or deputy. Children are carefully selected through an application process and funds for the program are raised throughout the year. Each child is allotted a specific amount to purchase gifts for his or her family, and receives a special gift from Santa.
Volunteers wrap the gifts for safe placement under the tree until the big day.
Below are photos from this year's event. Or shop at the Kmart store on Oddie Blvd. Ron Valdespino helps a young participant with his shopping list. Marc Conley begins his shopping adventure. Brooke Olson, Lisa Ethridge and Rocio Rosales wrap gifts for the kids.