The “Shop with a Cop” program has been an annual event in PebbleCreek (PC) for 30 years. Starting out small, it has grown into what residents mark their calendars for yearly on the first Saturday in November. It’s an opportunity for PC residents to tour volunteer neighbor’s homes.
It is more than a donation of $25 for the opportunity to see first-hand what has been done in homes built 40+ years ago and perhaps 1 year ago. The dollars collected from the 400 Home Tour ticket sales provides for Goodyear children to spend a one-on-one day with a Goodyear police officer to holiday shop for their family. The 20 to 25 children selected for this one-day event may have been identified on behalf of social worker(s) and/or teachers as well as police officers acquainted with situations making this a good choice.
On a selected Saturday in early December, the children first enjoy a hot breakfast with their police partner. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive via Maricopa County Sheriff’s Dept. helicopter. Children have the chance to peer inside Santa’s flying machine. Pictures are individually taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The children are then given a gift card to be used at the store sponsoring the holiday shopping event. After the helicopter departs with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the children are then escorted to their police partner’s vehicle. They witness firsthand all the knobs, lights, and loud sirens in the vehicle after which they follow their motorcycle escort while flashing lights announce their arrival to the shopping destination.
Holiday gift buying is hard work, so after family gifts are selected it’s time for a much-needed snack. Refreshed, the children are reunited with their parents. And no face comes away without a BIG SMILE. It’s been a successful day with “Shop with a Cop.” There are smiles all around.
Participants often describe the experience as life-changing, with lasting positive impressions of law enforcement and a sense of connection to their community.
The date for the PebbleCreek Home Tour is Saturday, Nov. 7, noon to 4 p.m.