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JOHNSON CITY — As the holiday season approaches, the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) is gearing up for its 10th annual Shop with a Cop event. This beloved tradition, a partnership between the JCPD and Johnson City Schools, pairs law enforcement officers with elementary students in need for an evening filled with holiday festivities, including dinner at Wild Wing Cafe, a visit with Santa Claus, a tour of Candy Land Christmas in Founders Park, and shopping at Walmart.

Last year, the program brightened the lives of more than 80 children, and the JCPD anticipates that even more students will participate this year. Beyond the festive evening, the program also provides gifts and winter clothing for all children in the household, as well as a holiday food box for the family.

“Our Department looks forward to this evening all year,” said JCPD Chief Billy Church. “It is a magical night for the kids and a cherished tradition for our officers. We are extremely grateful to our donors and volunteers who make Shop with a Cop bigger and better each year.”

The success of Shop with a Cop relies on the generous support of the community, and the JCPD is encouraging continued contributions of time and donations to ensure this year’s event is as impactful as ever.

Tax-deductible donations are now being accepted and can be made payable to the City of Johnson City. Please include ‘Shop with a Cop’ in the memo line. Donations can be mailed to: Attn: Shop with a Cop, JCPD, P.O. Box 2150, Johnson City, TN 37605, or dropped off at the JCPD inside the Municipal and Safety Building at 601 E. Main St.

For those wishing to purchase specific items for Shop with a Cop participants, gift registries will be available online at Amazon, Target, and Walmart later this year.

This year’s Shop with a Cop event is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 11. The JCPD looks forward to creating another memorable holiday experience for the children and families involved.