Community Corner

Students Shop with Lakeville Police Officers for Holiday Gifts

Officers, students and Target employees participated in the "Shop with a Cop" program on Tuesday.

Local students went shopping at Lakeville's Super Target with Lakeville police officers on Tuesday evening as part of the department's first "Shop with a Cop" program.

As part of the program, the police department, with the help of social workers, identified 10 students "who needed an extra special holiday season," writes Lakeville Police Officer, Kevin O'Neill, the department's outreach and crime prevention coordinator.

The department partnered with Lakeville's Super Target, whose employees organized a holiday shopping event for the students. When the students arrived at the store, they paired with an officer and received a $150 gift card to buy holiday gifts for their family members.

After purchasing the gifts, officers and Target employees helped the students wrap the presents. Ole Piper Restaurant donated pizza and beverages for everyone to enjoy together.

"One of our department’s priorities is building positive interactions with the community, especially our youth," said Officer O’Neill. “This is also a rewarding event for the police officers."

Participating officers volunteered their time to shop with the kids.


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