NLPOA Minnesota Hosts Navidad con la Comunidad, Bringing Holiday Joy to More Than 100 Children in Woodbury

WOODBURY, Minn. - Shoppers at the Walmart on Hudson Road witnessed a scene of holiday generosity on Saturday as the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) Minnesota Chapter hosted its annual Navidad con la Comunidad, a festive “Shop with a Cop” event that brought together more than one hundred children, police officers from 22 law enforcement agencies, firefighters, and community volunteers.

For two hours, the aisles of Walmart were filled with uniformed officers and firefighters kneeling beside carts, comparing toy lists, helping children pick out coats and gifts for family members, and creating the kind of holiday magic many families might otherwise struggle to afford.

A Statewide Collaboration in Service

The event, organized by NLPOA’s Minnesota Chapter, is designed to strengthen community relationships and support families during the holiday season. Officers from departments across the Twin Cities metro, along with sheriffs' deputies and firefighters, paired up one-on-one with children who had been pre-registered for the program.

More than 100 children took part, each given a designated budget to shop for Christmas gifts. While the children selected items for themselves, many also chose presents for siblings and parents, a reflection of the event’s emphasis on generosity and family-centered giving.

Volunteers, Treats, and a Visit From Santa

Beyond the shopping experience, volunteers created a festive atmosphere at the store’s entrance, handing out hot chocolate, cookies, candy, and books to families. Santa Claus greeted children, posed for photos, and added a warm, celebratory spirit to the morning.

The event was not open for general walk-in participation. Families were required to register ahead of time, underscoring NLPOA’s focus on reaching children identified through local community partners and outreach networks.

Nearly $12,000 Raised for Holiday Giving

According to NLPOA Minnesota, almost twelve thousand dollars was raised this year to make Navidad con la Comunidad possible. The funds, collected through individual donations, business contributions, and community sponsorships, allowed organizers to provide shopping budgets for each participating child and cover the cost of refreshments and supplies.

Sponsors were encouraged to “support the Christmas of one child” through targeted donations, a model that has helped ensure transparency and direct community impact.

NLPOA’s Mission in Action

Founded in 1972 nationally and active in Minnesota since 2002, the National Latino Peace Officers Association is the largest Latino law enforcement organization in the United States. While rooted in the Latino community, its membership is open to all, and its mission centers on promoting equality and professionalism in law enforcement, eliminating discrimination within the criminal justice system, and reducing neighborhood tension through sustained community engagement.

The Minnesota chapter emphasizes education, mentorship, and youth-focused outreach. Programs like Navidad con la Comunidad, scholarship initiatives, and community gatherings form part of the organization’s broader effort to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

A Morning of Joy With Lasting Impact

For the children who participated Saturday, the experience stretched beyond receiving gifts. It offered them a rare opportunity to meet an officer not during a crisis, but as a partner, mentor, and holiday helper.

And for the officers and firefighters who volunteered, the event served as a reminder of why community-based policing matters, a chance to connect face-to-face, share warmth and encouragement, and participate in moments of joy that resonate far beyond the season.

As carts rolled out of the Woodbury Walmart, filled with carefully chosen presents, the spirit of Navidad con la Comunidad was unmistakable: a community standing together, demonstrating that compassion and connection remain some of Minnesota’s strongest traditions.

MinneapoliMedia