PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — The holiday season started early for a group of local children Saturday morning during the Village of Pleasant Prairie Police Department’s annual Shop With a Cop event — a tradition aimed at building relationships between law enforcement and families while giving kids a chance to pick out gifts for Christmas.
Officers, volunteers, and excited young shoppers gathered at Meijer in Pleasant Prairie, where children were paired with police officers for a morning of breakfast, shopping, and holiday cheer. According to the department, the 2025 event was another resounding success.
Police credited the support of several local businesses who helped elevate the experience. Meijer hosted the event and provided assistance throughout the morning, while Dunkin Donuts and Crumbl Cookies — both located in Pleasant Prairie — donated treats to fuel the kids, officers, and volunteers.
Volunteers also played a key role, helping children wrap gifts after they completed their holiday shopping. Officers said dozens of community members showed up simply to help make the morning special.
Between cart rides, gift wrapping, and holiday snacks, participants also received a surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus — something that left the younger attendees particularly wide-eyed.
Police said programs like Shop With a Cop help build trust and positive memories between officers and local families, especially children who may be experiencing challenging circumstances during the holidays.
“The kids were all smiles today,” the department said in a statement.
The Village of Pleasant Prairie Police Department has held the event for several years and says it plans to continue the tradition moving forward.
5 Responses
How does one go about getting signed up? Or are the kids chosen by the schools?
I believe the children are nominated by their schools, but if you contact the Pleasant Prairie Police Department they may be able to give you more details.
The photo of the cop and doughnuts says it all!!!!
What a great event. A joyful day for the kids. It must be nice for the police to get to deal with kids n families in a positive way instead of usually being involved with people in times of trouble and tragedy. “Nice” list entries for everybody involved!
Does someone / people donate to this? If someone wants to donate next year -how do they do it, or is it tax dollars?