Summary The “Shop with a Cop” program was designed to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and our youth, by pairing police officers with students for a holiday shopping spree. Officers of the Alachua Police Department have jointly participated in the annual “Shop with a Cop” event with other local law enforcement agencies for many years. In 2016, APD was approached by Mr. Paul Rothseiden, who wanted to assist with a community outreach program for the holidays through the Rothseiden Foundation.
It was the perfect opportunity to launch the department’s own “Shop with a Cop” event; and so, in December 2016, APD hosted its first annual “Shop with a Cop” with the generous donation of $2,000 from the Rothseiden Foundation. As a result, twenty students from schools within the City’s jurisdiction, were each given a $100 gift card and taken on a shopping field trip to Walmart, followed by a pizza party.
The event was a huge success and enjoyed by officers and kids alike, and has turned in to a department tradition. Last year, the agency again received $2,000 from the Rothseiden Foundation, and this year, we are pleased to announce that Walmart has made a $5,000 contribution to our event. We wanted to take this opportunity to highlight these generous donations, and express our gratitude for the continued support to making the good life community a great one! | | |