It's already Christmas for kids at Fox Lake 'Shop with a Cop'
lfilas@dailyherald.com
Santa arrived a little early for Fox Lake-area children this year.
Roughly 39 kids were treated Monday to a shopping spree during the annual "Shop with a Cop" at the Johnsburg Wal-Mart.
The event started with visits with Santa, treats and a balloon artist at the McHenry Moose Lodge at 3535 N. Richmond Road, before the entire contingent of kids were taken to Wal-Mart.
There, they were allowed to spend $100, and they also received coats, hats, gloves, boots and a toy.
Around 10 officers from Fox Lake took part in the celebration. The $4,000 used for the event is part of the police department's budget.
Fox Lake Police Chief Russell Laine said that he hopes the event will help give kids a different impression of police officers than what is seen on television.
"This is a great opportunity for the police department to work with the community and help the kids out," Laine said.
After shopping, the kids returned to the Moose Lodge for dinner.