Everyone involved gathered for a big group photo to kick off the celebration.
Officer Jennifer Shaw, Santa and a young, impressionable student.
Officer Opinski and his young buddy are having a good time with Santa.
Officer Trevino was all smiles before a full day of shopping.
Officer Rios with Santa and her new young friend.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Merced City School District and City of Merced Police Department, a collection of local young students were able to celebrate Christmas early this year with the fantastic “Shop With A Cop” event on Dec. 17.
Shop with a Cop was held early in the morning, beginning a the center court of the Marketplace at Merced. Various police officers and their assigned kiddos were able to take photos with Santa Claus, go on an exciting shopping spree which spanned across the Mall, as well as to the Walmart store a few blocks down, and finally eat a special lunch with the Big Guy to close out the fun.
“Participating in the Merced Police Department & Merced City School District’s Shop with a Cop Event is our most wonderful time of the year,” said Nanette Villegas, a event organizer for the Marketplace. “Each year, we get to provide a select group of kids with a donation to shop our stores, a photo with Santa and a place to enjoy lunch with their newly made police friends. Thank you Merced City School District, and the Merced Police Department, for all the merry and bright you bring to these children.”