February/March 2025 | Page 18

14 TH ANNUAL

SHOPWITH A

COP

BY JOHN MAXWELL , SECRETARY , PLEA

On December 5 , 2024 , children from around the Valley started their day before sunrise with curbside pickup service , transporting them from their homes to the Kohls near 19th Ave and Bell Road . For the 14th

year in a row , Shop with a Cop organizers successfully partnered with schools , social workers , case workers , and other professionals to help identify kids from their communities who could use some extra holiday cheer .
This year , PLEA Charities was thrilled to again work alongside the Arizona Probation Officers Association to organize and execute our largest Shop with a Cop event yet ! The Phoenix Police Department had the opportunity to select 200 kids from Maricopa County , and the AZPOA selected 60 kids , meaning we were able to serve 260 Valley children !
PLEA Charities ’ mission statement includes to “ promote the positive image of law enforcement and enhance the quality of life in our communities ,” and the annual Shop with a Cop event is one of our favorite ways to bring that belief to life . This event allows police officers and
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