By Becky Maxedon

Every year, Lake Havasu City police officers treat some lucky kids to a Christmas shopping spree for family members – and themselves. The COVID-19 pandemic this year has put a crimp in many holiday plans, but Shop With A Cop happened despite the virus.

Kathy Stewart, Neighborhood Watch coordinator, Community Services Unit with the Lake Havasu Police Department explained the changes while shopping Wednesday morning.

“We are here doing Shop With A Cop in connection with Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Assn.,” Stewart said.

Jacquie Bunn, Marcos Espinoza of Walmart, Officer Thornhill, and Officer Kirk pose for a photo during Shop with a Cop. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Steward said the organization gets together all year to gather donations to make the event a reality. Donations come from throughout the community – from businesses, individuals, and service organizations.

“We asked principals of the eight elementary schools in Lake Havasu to pick two students from each school, so we have 16 students,” she said.

Stewart explained that in a non-COVID year, the students get to ride with police officers to their shopping destination where they can shop for Christmas gifts.

“This year, it’s the officers and assistants shopping without the students for social distancing, buying for 16 students.

“They have given us a wish list for their moms, dads, brothers, sisters and lastly, for themselves,” she said. This year, the group shopped a Walmart.

Madison Schmeling shops for children and their families during Shop with a Cop Wednesday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The gifts will be taken back to the police station where they will be wrapped.

“Next week, we’ll be delivering to the homes for the children,” Stewart said.

For those interested in donating to the Shop With A Cop program for Christmas shopping 2021, contact the Lake Havasu Police Department at 928-855-1171.

Carla Darte and Officer Jacob Rodriguez shop for children and their families Wednesday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Officer Mike Thornhill shops for children and their families Tuesday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Beth Titus shops for children and their families at Walmart during Shop with a Cop. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jacob Rodriguez shops for children and their families Wednesday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Kathy Stewart, Officer Dana Kirk, Officer Mike Thornhill, Koena Tapscott, Madison Schmeling, Marcos Espinoza, Jacquie Bunn, Beth Titus, Carla Duarte, and Jacob Rodriquez pose with toys during Shop with a Cop Wednesday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene