Shop with a Cop in Round Lake Beach

The Christmas spirit was in full force during the second annual Shop with a Cop at the Round Lake Beach Police Department.

About 60 children took part in the annual event, where police officers spend $100 per child on a Christmas spending spree at Walmart on Route 83 in Round Lake Beach.

Each child can purchase whatever they want, said Round Lake Beach Deputy Police Chief Rich Chiarello, but each must go home with at least one toy.

“Many choose to go home with coats and other items they need,” Chiarello said. “Then, others want toys. Either way, it's fun for the kids, and the officers have a great time.”

The event started at 4:30 p.m. at the Round Lake Beach Civic Center where they partake in refreshments, play games, and meet Santa Claus.

Then, children are taken in pairs to Walmart where they walk with a police officer and go shopping.

After picking out their gifts, the items are bagged and children return to the civic center. The bags are stored at the Round Lake Beach police station until Dec. 15, when they are delivered to the homes of the children, Chiarello said.

The cost of the shopping spree is covered through donations from businesses, residents, and other police officers, Chiarello said.

Also, officers shopping with the kids donate their time to the annual event, Chiarello said.

“We couldn't do this without the donations from everyone,” he said. “And, the volunteers were a huge help.”

He said volunteers were on hand from police departments in Round Lake, Round Lake Heights, the Round Lake Area Park District, as well as the Lake County sheriff's office.

He added family and friends also pitched in to make the event a success.

“It's a lot of fun,” said 6-year-old Natalie Dalton. “I want a brand new Barbie house, that's real tall, and with an elevator. It's really awesome.”