Coon Rapids Police Bring Holiday Cheer to 24 Children Through Annual Shop with a Cop Event

COON RAPIDS, MN – The holiday season began with joy, connection, and community spirit as the Coon Rapids Police Department hosted its annual Shop with a Cop event this week, pairing officers with 24 local children for an evening of Christmas shopping at the Riverdale Target.

The department described the gathering as “an amazing time,” sharing that officers and children spent the afternoon picking out gifts not only for themselves but also for parents, siblings, and other loved ones. The program, now a beloved community tradition, is rooted in a simple mission: to brighten the holiday season for families experiencing hardship while strengthening the bonds between local youth and law enforcement.

A Tradition of Giving and Community Support

Each child receives a designated budget funded through community donations, corporate sponsorships, and year-round fundraising efforts by the Coon Rapids Police Association. The goal is to empower children to experience the joy of giving, an element that officers say consistently stands out. In past years, many kids have chosen to prioritize presents for family members, underscoring the program’s impact not only on the children but on entire households.

This year's event, like many before it, was made possible through a partnership with Target. The retailer provided support for the evening’s shopping experience, continuing its long-standing national role in backing Shop with a Cop initiatives. The Riverdale Target has served as the host site for Coon Rapids’ event for several years, offering both logistical support and on-site staff assistance.

Additional funding comes from local businesses and community fundraisers. The Coon Rapids Police Association organizes annual events such as a Bags Tournament during the city's Fourth of July celebration, with proceeds dedicated to the holiday Shop with a Cop and the department’s back-to-school shopping program. Contributions from donors, including support in previous years from local companies such as Luther North Country Ford, have helped sustain and expand the initiative.

Building Trust Through Shared Experiences

While the event provides tangible support to families, its deeper purpose lies in fostering positive relationships between officers and young residents. By spending time together in a fun, supportive environment, children get to know officers not only in uniform but as neighbors, mentors, and caring members of the community.

These interactions help build trust that extends beyond the holiday season. Officers often describe the evening as one of the most meaningful of the year, noting that it offers a rare opportunity for genuine, heartwarming engagement with the young people they serve.

For many families, Shop with a Cop delivers more than gifts. It brings reassurance, joy, and a sense of belonging at a time when the pressures of the season can weigh heavily.

A Community Effort That Keeps Growing

The Coon Rapids Police Department emphasizes that the program’s success depends on continued community support. Donations and partnership commitments ensure that more children can participate each year, and the department remains dedicated to keeping the event accessible to families who may be facing financial challenges.

As officers and kids left Target this week carrying brightly colored bags and wide smiles, the spirit of the season was unmistakable. Shop with a Cop is not only about holiday presents; it is a testament to the power of community connection, generosity, and shared humanity.

Coon Rapids residents can expect this tradition to continue in the years ahead, as the city’s law enforcement officers and community partners work together to ensure that every child has a holiday season filled with warmth, celebration, and hope.

MinneapoliMedia