Law enforcement agencies throughout San Diego County converged on a Target store Saturday morning for the biggest toy “raid” this holiday season.
Police officers and their juvenile companions searched and seized items in the toy aisle at the Target at 3245 Sports Arena Blvd. for the 21st annual Shop with a Cop event.
The event allows underprivileged kids to spend a morning with a police officer shopping.
“We’re trying to touch the kids and the community that may not have an opportunity to have a Christmas,” said
Alexander Cuesta, reserve commander for the National City Reserve unit.
Officers in motorcycles, helicopters and SWAT cars cleared the way for more than 300 kids to enter the Target parking lot.
Some agents even let kids play with their vehicles’ intercom system and greet everyone with a “Merry Christmas!”
National City Police Sgt. Alex Hernandez teamed up with Johnson Elementary third-grader Shyanne around the store.
Shyanne shopped for herself, two sisters and her mother.
“I am so excited,” she said, jumping around.
Shyanne and Hernandez dashed to the “Frozen” toys where she spent a few minutes pondering which item she wanted.
Hernandez asked if she wanted a bike because if she didn’t get it now they would all be gone.
Shyanne turned down the offer.
Shyanne finally ended her shopping day with stuffed animals for herself while one of her sisters were gifted with a vanity toy set and the other also got a stuffed animal.
Mom got a $5 personal massager.
Target Corp. gave each child a $150 gift card to spend, but many officers made up the difference when a child went over budget.
Hernandez was one of six National City Police officers participating in Shop with a Cop.
He said Shop with a Cop is just one of many charity events that National City Police officers participate in.
“It’s a great opportunity to be able to meet with kids and help,” Hernandez said. “And let the kids see a side of us that they don’t always see.”
While toys remained the most popular items purchased, children also opted for bicycles, clothing and school supplies.
Edwin, a third-grader at Grapevine Elementary School in Vista, had one thing on his shopping list.
“Mechanical pencils,” he said, when asked what item he was looking forward to buying.
Edwin shopped with Chula Vista Police officer Carlos Valdivia.
Both Valdivia and Hernandez had a scheduled day off and decided to use their off day for the event.
“Every officer here is on their own time, they are not getting paid overtime,” Valdivia said. “So they take time out of their day, away from their families, to take a kid shopping.”
Sakura Jordan, Target store team leader, said she knows all about the good charity work officers do in their daily lives. And she hopes that neighboring retailers understand the deeds officers do.
“It helps to show our guests, our neighboring retailers and children what officers do,” Jordan said.
The children are selected through local school districts.
Hernandez has two children ages 12 and 9. He said Shop with a Cop puts things in perspective for him because he can provide his children with Christmas gifts while there are families who struggle to have a Christmas.
“It makes me realize how fortunate I am,” he said.
