Children from across the city gathered a lot of loot, aided by cops from every police district in Philadelphia, during the Police Department’s third annual Shop With a Cop event at Walmart’s Columbus Boulevard store last Friday, December 15, 2023.
After visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, all of the 385 children and their parents, chosen by their local police district, were given a $150 gift card and then shopped for Christmas gifts with one of the many men and women in blue. Most cops had altered their uniforms with a little red for the festive occasion.
Santa had many helpers, including elves, a Grinch, mascots from the Philadelphia Eagles and Sixers, Dunkin Donuts, the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, Frosty the Snowman, Eagles cheerleaders, the Sixers drum line, and others.
There was even an elf who rode on a bike and steered kids back to the bicycle section of the store.
After gathering their gifts and checking out, the children received a free happy meal courtesy of the store’s McDonald’s restaurant. More than 500 meals were donated to participants. Walmart, the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation, and the Philadelphia Police Foundation all gave to make the event a success.
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