On Tuesday, December 16, employees from Champaign Police and the Equity & Engagement Department were joined by area law enforcement and community partners for the 2025 Shop with a Cop event at Meijer! This year, Champaign’s Shop with a Cop helped to provide holiday gifts for 92 children in 36 families. Along with CPD personnel and retirees, shoppers joined in the fun with the City’s Equity & Engagement Department, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office Probation Division, Parkland and Westview Police, the United States Marshals Service, Police Explorer Post 258, and Head Start.
Following the shop, families were invited to join their shoppers for a meal in the café, with food provided by Meijer. Santa and Mrs. Claus also stopped by for some photos and a chat during the evening of fun. Shop with a Cop is planned, funded, and coordinated by CPD officers and retirees volunteering their time to spread holiday cheer. The Champaign Police Department is thankful for their efforts and the impact they’re making to spread cheer to young people in our community.