Kids 'N Cops Shopping Day bonds area kids & law enforcement officers

Sunday, December 3, 2017
Brooke Schwieters | WEAU

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -- Kids and law enforcement officers took over Target in Eau Claire Sunday for the 26th Annual Kids 'N Cops Shopping Day.

The event pairs youth with law enforcement officers for an afternoon of shopping for warm clothing and a special toy as well as lunch and a visit with Santa.

Fundraisers from Altoona Family Restaurant, Holiday Vacations and the public generated around $24,000 for the Kids 'N Cops event.

Sunday, the program served around130 children in need, and provided an opportunity to bond with local law enforcement.

"It's one-on-one time and in some regards, some of these kids have been, had, some life experiences where they don't always have, the best thoughts, or I guess the best feeling towards police officers, and so it's really important for us to help kind of help break those barriers and really, by the end of an hour of shopping and walking around the store, it's a great bond and a great relationship, it's pretty awesome," said Detective Don Henning with the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office.

Detective Henning said organizers are already planning for next year.
If you'd like to refer a family for the Kids 'N Cops Program, contact your local law enforcement agency.

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