Milwaukee County holds 18th annual holiday Shop with a Cop

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For 18 years, Shop with a Cop has been a holiday tradition here in Milwaukee County and this year is no exception.

"It's an opportunity for law enforcement and for youth in our community to come together and to shop for Christmas. Not only for themselves but also for their families, so feeling very good about today," said Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball.

Christmas came early for more than 50 kids across the Milwaukee area Saturday, Dec. 7. 

The group gathered at Third Street Market Hall for breakfast and activities before heading over to Kohl's for their shopping sprees.

"It means a lot because it just shows the collaboration of partnerships that we have and the fact that we just want to make someone's life a little bit better around Christmas time," said Sheriff Ball.

Ball says this effort is about making an impact. "It is very important because often they see us in stressful situations and we're here to help and so we want them to feel comfortable coming to us in any situation and events like this help to bridge that gap," she said.

"Having this one-on-one experience. Seeing the smiles on their faces, leaving a positive impression on them…this is what we want to do as a far as engagement," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.

Kids were given $150 gift cards and able to shop around the store. There were also activities offered for a full day of fun.