Bloomington Police Department to kick off its annual “Shop With a Hero” program on December 12

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington Police Department will kick off its annual “Shop With a Hero” program on December 12.

Officer Bryce Janssen briefly discussed the festive events lined up for December, including “Shop With a Hero.” The department will also have an officer ring a bell for the Salvation Army in downtown Bloomington, dressed in a blue Santa costume.

As December approaches, Bloomington officers look forward to giving back to the community by hosting their annual Shop With a Hero event. Formerly known as “Shop With a Cop,” the nationwide program serves low-income families.

For the past 10 years, the Illinois Police Association’s Cop Shop Program has supported less fortunate young people, helping them celebrate Christmas through financial assistance.

“We have officers from the Bloomington Police Department, the Bloomington Fire Department, and sometimes ISU Police and Illinois State Police join us as well,” Janssen said. “Walmart decorates the store beautifully, and they bring in a Santa. It’s a great time.”

In partnership with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), children are selected by their schools and paired with a police officer to shop for presents. The officers assist the children in selecting and purchasing gifts, which are then wrapped for them.

For more information about Shop With a Hero, visit https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/departments/police.

Photo Courtesy of the Aurora Police Department