A happy local student shows off the new mood ring she purchased with Merced Police Officer Jose Barajas during the Shop With A Cop holiday event at the Merced Mall on Monday.
Officer Bryan Saelee and a little one enjoy a merry and bright shopping experience.
Merced Police Department officers took 19 local school children on an unforgettable Christmas shopping journey from school to the Merced Mall, and back again on Monday.
The annual “Shop with a Cop” event is organized by the MPD, the Mall, and the Merced City School District, which helps select the deserving little ones.
Each student received $200 to purchase toys and gifts for themselves and their family members. They also got to ride in a police car, take pictures with Santa, and enjoy a lunch with all of Merced’s finest back at the police station.
“They were all very happy being with an officer and shopping around,” Officer Rosa Alcaraz told the Times. “It seemed like they had the Mall all to themselves. That was very exciting. And having their picture taken with Santa and the officers will be a very good memory for them to take home and cherish.”