Navidad con la Comunidad in Minnesota is an annual “Shop with a Cop” charity event organized by the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) Minnesota State Chapter. The initiative is designed to support local families experiencing severe financial hardships and ensure children have gifts under the tree for Christmas.
Event Details and Impact
• What Happens: The event pairs up children with uniformed police officers from dozens of local law enforcement agencies, as well as firefighters and community volunteers. Together, they walk the aisles of a local store to pick out holiday gifts, toys, and essential items like winter coats.
• Community Festivities: In addition to shopping, volunteers typically distribute festive treats like hot chocolate, cookies, candy, and books, and Santa Claus often makes an appearance for holiday photos.
• Organizations Involved: The event regularly draws participation from over 20 different police departments across Minnesota.
