Family Tides
Though the holiday season is often seen as a time of ease and celebration, it can also be a challenging time for families facing financial hardship. For parents struggling to make ends meet, the added pressure of gifts, meals and seasonal expectations can make the season feel far from jolly.
But thanks to the efforts of the Atlantic City Police Department, some local children are experiencing a brighter, more hopeful holiday this year.
The department recently held its annual three-day Shop With a Cop holiday event designed to bring joy and meaningful support to families across Atlantic City. The initiative gives children the opportunity to go on a shopping spree alongside police officers, creating a positive and memorable experience during a time that can be difficult for many households.
This year’s event was coordinated by Atlantic City Police Department Lt. Wilber Santiago and Sgt. Mohamed Kaiser, with officers from across the department volunteering their time. Held from Dec. 15 to 17, the long-standing event has become a signature community outreach effort for the department.
Officers partnered with O.C.E.A.N., Inc., Walmart, Chick-fil-A and the United States Air Force to help make the holiday shopping experience memorable. Chick-fil-A provided meals for the children during the event while Walmart staff and O.C.E.A.N., Inc. representatives worked closely with officers to support every aspect of the initiative. Members of the Air Force also lent a helping hand to ensure the event was a success.
Together, the organizations ensured families were supported not only during the shopping experience but through the holiday season.
A total of 150 children participated, with each child receiving $150 to spend at Walmart on toys, games and other fun items to enjoy ahead of Christmas. Families were also provided with a $50 ShopRite gift card to help ease the financial strain of holiday meals and ensure food was on the table.
During the event, officers walked side by side with children through the store, chatting with them and helping them shop.
The initiative not only helps families during what can be a challenging season, but it also gives youth and law enforcement a chance to interact in a positive setting, strengthening trust and building meaningful connections that can last all year long.
“Our officers look forward to Shop With a Cop every year. It’s an opportunity to connect with children in a positive, supportive environment and build trust that lasts well beyond the holiday season,” said Chief of the Atlantic City Police Department James Sarkos in a press release about the event. “We’re proud of the work Lt. Santiago and Sgt. Kaiser put into making this event outstanding.”
The success of Shop With a Cop underscores the power of community partnerships when it matters most — and shows what’s possible when a community comes together for its children.
O.C.E.A.N., Inc., a community action agency serving low- to moderate-income residents in the region, aims to improve the quality of life for individuals and families through its range of services. Through partnerships with Walmart locations in Egg Harbor, Brick and Little Egg Harbor, along with numerous community organizations and officers throughout the region, their team has helped bring the Shop With a Cop event to more than 600 at-risk children in Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties, according to the organization’s website, spreading festive joy for those who need it most.
Madison Russ is an award-winning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene.
Photo credit: Edward Lea/City of Atlantic City.
