Cops and cocoa bring community and police together

In view of falling temperatures, what better way to get to know the Elgin Police Department than over a cup of McCafe Hot Chocolate.

This "Cocoa with a Cop" event was hosted by the Elgin McDonald's on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 1480 Larkin Ave.

This event, which aimed to bring the community together, did just that by serving free McCafe Hot Chocolate to customers.

David Bear, owner and operator of the Elgin McDonald's on Larkin, believes that taking part in such community-building events helps to bridge relationships between residents and the local police force.

Events like these are a great opportunity for residents to come and ask questions and really get to know the police officers on a different level.

An amazing 16 police officers from the force showed up for this fun and unique event, including Police Chief Ana Lalley. The Elgin Police department looks forward to these events and enjoys being able to personally meet and greet those in attendance.

"We are proud of the role we have maintained in Elgin since 1967, and we are happy to see the community and the local police department enjoying McCafe Hot Chocolate and conversation together. This is how great relationships are formed and the Bear family looks forward to many more years of partnering with the Elgin Police Department with events like this," Bear said.

"We are grateful to Sergeant Demierre, who contributed to the coordination of the 'Cocoa with A Cop' event, and to all the officers who came to the event, helped serve McDonald's McCafe Hot Chocolate, took pictures with the community members, and met many great people from the community."

This event was hosted by the Bear Family Restaurants and McDonald's owner-operator David Bear. Like www.facebook.com/BearFamilyMcDonalds/ and visit bearfamilyrestaurants.com.

For more information about events provided by the Elgin McDonald's, contact Julie Travers, community relations director, at julie.travers@comcast.net.