Kent — Local volunteers and community partners gathered at Target on the East Hill for the 13th annual Shop with a Cop, a holiday program that pairs children with volunteers and police officers for an afternoon of gift shopping.

"We are at our thirteenth annual Shop with a Cop here at Target on the East Hill," said Speaker 3, who described the program’s origin and purpose, saying it began 13 years ago when a friend suggested combining support for children with relationship-building between youth and law enforcement. "We were able to take 30 kids shopping that first year," the organizer added, describing the program as both assistance for families and an opportunity to connect children with officers.

Organizers credited a mix of local donors and community organizations with sustaining the event. "Kent Police Foundation, Kent Education Association, Sunrise Rotary, and a whole bunch of individual donors came together and got us here," Speaker 3 said. The organizer gave specific fundraising guidance for those who want to support the program: "For every $150 or $175 we raise, we get to bring a kid shopping," and added that the annual fundraising need runs "about $8,000 to $12,000 a year." Donors were directed to the KYFS webpage with instructions to put "shop with the cop" in the reason line.

Target staff and retail employees said the event brings a festive atmosphere to the store. "It's been an amazing ride. I'm glad we do this every year. It's probably my favorite event," said Speaker 4, who praised Target as a host and partner. A retail staff member echoed that the event creates a "Christmas magical feeling" that gives staff perspective during a busy season.

Throughout the event volunteers and children exchanged lighthearted remarks while selecting gifts, and volunteers helped children consider items for siblings and pets. Organizers and volunteers celebrated completing the shopping and thanked donors and partners as the program concluded.

Organizers said the program depends on community contributions to continue; they encouraged year-round donations to maintain the annual shopping opportunity for local children. The event concluded with organizers and participants exchanging season's greetings.