Behind the Badge: Anoka County Sheriff’s Office “Shop With A Cop 2025” Brings Holiday Support to Local Students

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office says its annual “Shop With A Cop” program returned in 2025, once again pairing students identified by their schools as needing extra support with law enforcement personnel for a day centered on generosity, connection, and holiday relief.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies, reserve deputies, Explorers, and office staff volunteered their time to host the event, which is part of the agency’s broader commitment to community engagement and service. The program stands alongside other outreach and volunteer efforts coordinated by the Sheriff’s Office, including the Polar Plunge, Night to Unite, and other community focused initiatives.

A program rooted in assistance and trust building

The “Shop With A Cop” program serves a dual purpose. First, it provides direct assistance by ensuring selected students receive gifts they need or want during the holiday season. Second, it is designed to foster positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement, offering children the opportunity to interact with deputies and staff in a supportive, non enforcement setting.

Students are selected by their schools, a process intended to discreetly identify families facing financial hardship and ensure help reaches those most in need.

A day of shopping, wrapping, and shared meals

On the day of the event, students were transported from their schools to the Walmart Supercenter in Andover, where each child was paired with an Anoka County Sheriff’s Office employee who served as their shopping partner. Together, they worked through the students’ holiday lists, selecting gifts and essential items.

After shopping, volunteers assisted the children with wrapping their gifts. The experience continued with a shared pizza meal, followed by transportation back home. The Sheriff’s Office said the goal was to create not only material support, but also a memorable and affirming experience for each child.

Community partners make the event possible

The Sheriff’s Office credited several local businesses and organizations for helping make the 2025 event a success. Those acknowledged include Walmart Supercenter Andover, Beef O Brady’s Andover, Willy McCoy’s Andover, the Andover Football Association, and a local Lions Club.

Public county records show that “Shop With A Cop” is supported through community donations formally accepted by Anoka County, underscoring the collaborative nature of the program. Past contributions from organizations such as the Andover Lions Club and the Andover Football Association have helped fund shopping budgets and related expenses, reinforcing the role of local partners in sustaining the effort.

Part of a wider tradition

Programs similar to “Shop With A Cop” are operated by law enforcement agencies nationwide, often following comparable models that involve school based referrals, volunteer officers, donated funds, and partnerships with local businesses. While each jurisdiction manages its own logistics, the core emphasis remains consistent: providing holiday support while strengthening trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office said it appreciates the continued involvement of its staff, volunteers, and community partners, noting that their combined efforts help brighten the holidays for deserving families across the county.

Editor’s note: MinneapoliMedia will update this story if additional details are released, including the number of students served or opportunities for community members to support future “Shop With A Cop” events

MinneapoliMedia