December is here, and for many, it comes with a sense of cheer, hope, and anticipation. Making memories filled with cozy fires, Christmas trees, sugary cookies, and brightly wrapped packages. However, there are some in our own community who face this season with worry and uncertainty, wondering how to provide a holiday for their families. Each year, for those whose reality may be heavier during the holiday season, Crystal Lake organizes a special event that brings holiday cheer to local children and strengthens bonds within the community. The “Shop with a Cop” program, coordinated by McHenry County Police Charities, pairs local children in need with police officers for a day that blends the joy of holiday shopping with moments of connection and kindness.
According to Community Relations Officer Stolzman from the Crystal Lake Police Department, Shop with a Cop is a deeply collaborative initiative. “The program is really a group effort,” she says. Organized by officers from various departments, teachers, business owners, and community leaders, all volunteering their time, it brings together people from throughout McHenry County, united by the shared purpose of helping children. In 2023 alone, fundraising events hosted by groups like Crystal Lake Cars and Caffeine and the Crystal Lake Lions Club brought in $20,000, helping ensure a successful and meaningful event.
The program itself started in 1994 with a simple but profound mission: to “provide positive police interaction and Christmas to children in McHenry County who are less fortunate and may not have a Christmas otherwise.” Similar programs exist across the country, but the commitment to building bonds and giving back has made Shop with a Cop in Crystal Lake especially successful, helping over 200 children last December.
On the day of the event, children are picked up in patrol cars by their police “buddies,” which builds excitement and a sense of wonder. Arriving at Walmart, each child is given a set amount to spend on gifts that bring them joy, and the program also provides winter essentials like coats, boots, gloves, and hats to keep them warm for the season ahead. Officer Stolzman describes one family who had been looking forward to the day for weeks. When officers arrived, the children were so grateful, saying, “Thank you, I never would’ve had Christmas without you. Our parents told us not to expect any presents under the tree this year, and now we can look forward to this.”
After shopping, the group enjoys breakfast together while volunteers wrap each gift, ensuring that the children can take home presents ready for the holidays. For many, this shared meal is just as meaningful as the shopping. “It’s a time when kids open up,” Stolzman says. “Officers see the kids’ faces light up, and the children see a different, caring side of law enforcement.”
For the children, this experience is more than just a fun holiday outing; it’s a day that can make them feel valued and cared for. Officer Stolzman recalls a story from a retired officer who had taken part in Shop with a Cop years ago. A man called the department recently, hoping to reconnect with the officer who had been his mentor through the program. He shared how just one day had sparked hope which carried him through hard times, eventually leading him to a stable life with a family and good job.
The program touches the officers deeply, too. Officer Rueff, who was paired with a young girl in a wheelchair and her two younger siblings, was moved by the bond he witnessed between them. During breakfast, he watched as her younger siblings fed her and made sure she was comfortable before caring for themselves. When it was time to shop, they focused on her needs first. “Experiences like this offer a new perspective and a sense of purpose,” Stolzman says. “It’s moments like this that remind us why we do this work.”
For the officers involved, Shop with a Cop is an opportunity to connect with children and families on a personal level, which can feel rare in the course of their day-to-day duties. Stolzman believes the day allows officers to show a side of themselves that kids may not typically see, building trust that carries into the wider community. “We’re grateful to volunteer and participate, knowing that the connections we build with the children go far beyond one day of shopping,” she explains.
The success of Shop with a Cop depends on community support, with donations making it possible for each child to enjoy the holiday they deserve. McHenry County Police Charities welcomes donations year-round, and there are opportunities for community members to get involved through volunteering as well. Stolzman stresses that the more people know about the program, the more the community can help to create positive memories for local families.
As the holiday season draws near, let events like Shop with a Cop remind us of the power of community and generosity. In a time when many families face hardships, this program brings a message of hope and support. “Seeing the kids’ faces light up and knowing we’ve made a difference,” Stolzman reflects, “that’s what makes all the effort worth it.”
The goal of this program is simple: Make the holidays a little brighter and foster connections that will last. For those who participate, whether as children, officers, families, or volunteers, Shop with a Cop creates memories that linger well beyond a single December morning. And for those who wish to support, donations can be made directly through McHenry County Police Charities’ website, with each contribution helping to make the season a little brighter for those who need it most.