From Times of San Diego.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. –​ December 9, 2024 – Over the weekend, San Diego County Probation hosted the annual “Shop with a Cop” event that brought smiles and holiday cheer to more than 300 children selected by area schools, officials announced Monday.

The children were paired with law enforcement officers and taken to SeaWorld, where they were treated to breakfast and a special dolphin show put on just for them, officials said.

Afterward, the children and their law enforcement “partners” caravaned to Target, where each child was given a $200 gift card to shop for themselves and their families. Volunteers helped make the holidays special by wrapping gifts for the children to share with their loved ones.

Santa even made an appearance and was available for visits and photos, according to organizers.

The event, which started in 1994, involved more than 300 officers from over 30 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in San Diego County. All the officers and law enforcement staff volunteer to take part in the heartwarming event.

“As the probation chief, I can tell you our officers and staff participate in this event every year because it brings them so much joy to be part of this special day for the children in our communities,” San Diego Chief Probation Officer Tamika Nelson said. “Our department really enjoyed hosting this year’s event and I want to thank all the officers, staff and elves who helped raise funds and organize the event, and, of course, our generous donors.”

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