Wheaton police spread holiday cheer during its first Shop with a Cop event

It's not every day that Wheaton police officers give a full police escort - complete with a parade of vehicles and flashing lights - down Roosevelt Road. But for 11 local children, this was no ordinary day.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, Wheaton Police Union MAP No. 699 sponsored 11 community children in its first Shop with a Cop event.

Milton Township helped identify families in need in our community, and thanks to the support of the Wheaton Kiwanis Club, Wheaton Target and Chick-fil-A, the children were treated to a memorable day.

A parade of squad cars brought the children to Target, and each received a gift card to select gifts for their families and themselves.

Wheaton police officers helped the young shoppers find and select gifts from their wish lists. Officers then escorted the children back to the police department to wrap the gifts, visit with Santa, decorate cookies, get their faces painted and enjoy a Chick-fil-A lunch before officers escorted them home.

"The Wheaton Police Department was thrilled to be able to connect with families in our community in this way," said Patti Potter, Wheaton Police Training and Community Relations Officer. "Being able to give back to others is a key part of the holidays, and our officers loved being able to help make the holidays a little brighter for younger residents that might not otherwise be able to give or receive gifts this year."

The Wheaton Police Department extends its gratitude to the Wheaton Kiwanis Club, Target, Chick-fil-A, and all the volunteers for their generous support of this program and the community.

Thanks to its success, the police department looks forward to bringing this program back next year.