Shop with a Cop Brings Holiday Joy to Cache Valley’s Most Vulnerable Kids

Emily Buckley

Editor in Chief

When a procession of flashing lights and sirens roll down the streets of Cache Valley on December 6, you may wonder what is happening. Then you’ll notice the miles of smiles in the passenger seats of the dozens of patrol cars and emergency vehicles where children, each paired with a local police officer, will sit. Their destination? Walmart in North Logan, where Santa is waiting to greet them, and a morning of holiday magic is about to unfold.

This is Shop with a Cop — a cherished Cache Valley tradition that turns one Saturday morning each December into a celebration of compassion, community, and connection.

The day begins early at the Logan Regional Hospital, where children selected by The Family Place are paired with law enforcement officers from across the Valley and beyond. Participating offices include the North Park Police Department, Logan Police Department, Cache County Sheriff's Office, Smithfield Police Department, Utah Highway Patrol, Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah State University Police Department, and even agencies from Preston and Franklin County. The children and police officers get to know each other over a warm breakfast, hosted by the hospital, before heading out in a full siren procession through town.

“The kids love it,” North Park Police Chief Kent Goodrich, who helps coordinate the event each year, said. “You can see how excited they are to be riding in a police car instead of being scared of one.”

This year, perhaps more than ever, the event carries extra meaning. “It’s been a really trying year for law enforcement,” Chief Goodrich said, referencing recent tragedies that have shaken Northern Utah’s law enforcement community. “But it’s been incredible to see how much support we’ve received. Truly, this is a moment where you can step back and say, ‘OK, we’re here to help, we’re here to foster our good relationship with these kids. We’re here to show them that law enforcement isn’t bad.’ I think that’s an important part for these kids at risk.”

The program is entirely funded by local donations: businesses, community groups, and residents who come together in an effort to ensure no child goes without holiday joy. This year, the goal is to provide 40 to 50 children with $250 each to spend on gifts for themselves and their families, plus a $100 grocery gift card and food basket for their families.

“There’s never a shortage of kids in need,” Chief Goodrich said. “The only limits are funding and how many officers we can pull together while still handling calls for service.”

When patrol cars pull into Walmart, the fun really begins. There, the children witness the arrival of Santa himself before heading inside with their officer to shop from a wish list created with the help of their family and The Family Place.

“Every year we see kids picking out socks, underwear, and snow boots,” Chief Goodrich said with misty eyes. “They could be buying toys, but so often they’re thinking about their parents or their brothers and sisters. Last year, two kids bought their dad snow boots because he didn’t have any. Those moments get to you.”

After shopping, volunteers from local businesses and city councils help wrap gifts while Santa visits and takes photos with the children. For many families, these are the gifts that will fill their Christmas morning with joy, and for the officers, it’s a chance to experience the holiday spirit.

For children who’ve only seen police officers during difficult times, Shop with a Cop helps change the narrative. “Often, law enforcement meets families on their worst days,” Chief Goodrich said. “If we can create a positive experience — a day full of laughter, kindness, and connection — it builds trust and changes how these kids see law enforcement.”

Shop with a Cop represents something deeper than gift giving: the power of connection. It’s a reminder that generosity and compassion can bridge divides, heal hearts, and show children that there are people in uniform and out, who care deeply about them.

“This event is one of those times whe n you step back and think, this is what we’r e supposed to be doing,” Chief Goodrich said. “All the busyness of life fades for a minute, and you just see the good in people. It’s humbling and it’s joyful all at once.”

The Shop with a Cop program continues to grow each year, fueled entirely by donations from Cache Valley residents and local organizations. Every dollar donated goes directly toward giving these vulnerable children and families a brighter Christmas.

Over the years, city councils, youth gr oups, and local businesses have joined in wrapping gifts, donating funds, or simply showing up to help. Last year, both Cache Valley Walmart locations contributed significantly, each donating $5,000. Companies such as Nucor also sent volunteers to help wrap presents.

“It wouldn’t happen without our community,” Chief Goodrich said. “We’re grateful for every person who gives — whether it’s money, time, or even wrapping paper. It’s a reminder that when we all come together, we can make a real difference for families who need it most.”