This event provided around 100 youth the opportunity to shop with local law enforcement and take wrapped gifts of their choosing home
On Saturday (Dec. 2) the Police Activities League of Southwest Washington (PAL) hosted the “Southwest Regional Shop with a Cop” event at the East Vancouver Target.
This event provided around 100 youth the opportunity to shop with local law enforcement and take wrapped gifts of their choosing home.
All youth were pre-selected in advance of the event from the Evergreen School district, Vancouver School District, and other youth serving organizations.
This program aims to provide youth with an opportunity to shop without the stress of financial hardships. Youth are paired with a law enforcement officer and allotted $125 to spend on whatever they wish to purchase. Some youth choose to purchase necessities like shampoo, conditioner, underwear, and socks; some youth choose to purchase gifts for other family members; some youth opted for new toys and clothing.
As law enforcement and youth shop throughout the store together, youth are given an opportunity to experience positive interactions with our law enforcement partners.
This year’s event included representation from the Vancouver Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington State Patrol.
Other volunteers who supported this event include Kings Way Christian School leadership students, Bowflex Inc., Street Parking, and the Vancouver Police Department Neighbors on Watch (NOW).
This event was made possible thanks to the following generous sponsors:
Vancouver Police Officer’s Guild (VPOG)
Deputy Sheriff’s Guild (DSG)
PAL’s mission is to build positive relationships between law enforcement and youth through educational programs and recreational opportunities. PAL offers year-round programs to children and youth at free or low cost.
Learn more about PAL by visiting https://palofswwa.org