Buffalo Grove police adapt Shop with a Cop for 2020

The Buffalo Grove Police Department hosted its fourth annual 'Shop with a Cop' event Saturday, Dec. 12, at Target, 1400 Lake-Cook Road, in Wheeling.

In previous years, police employees were assigned to children and paired up to shop together at the store. This year, as it has in countless other situations due to the pandemic, things looked a little bit different.

Members from the department utilized Zoom to meet with their designated families to shop digitally, and then gathered the items prior to meeting the kids face-to-face at Target, where the gifts were then given to the children, along with wrapping paper and goody bags on behalf of Target.

"It was important to the department to play a part in keeping everyone safe, while still getting the chance to meet the children in person," said Deputy Police Chief Michael Szos. "Our goal was to give the kids something festive to look forward to, and I believe that was achieved."

The department's Officer MAP Union #672, the Chai Guys men's group from Temple Chai in Long Grove and the Wheeling Target, along with other generous community members who donated money and time, made this event possible.

The department would like to extend its sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role with the organization, financial contributions, and support of this worthwhile cause.