The Mount Rainier Police Department (MRPD) and the Mount Rainier Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 85 put smiles on kids’ faces this holiday after successfully hosting and sponsoring the first Shop with a Cop on December 3.

In partnership with other law enforcement agencies – Hyattsville Police Department (PD), Brentwood PD, Bladensburg PD, Berwyn Heights PD, and Maryland Transportation Authority PD, 15 kids were partnered with a police officer to go on a shopping spree. Each kid received a $100 visa gift card and was escorted by a Santa Cop to the supermarket to buy anything their hearts desired. Kids brought toys, shoes, clothing, and even novelty items, perfect for the holiday.

“Our first ever Shop with a Cop was a huge success. We want to thank our sister agencies for bringing smiles to the faces of the children today,” wrote MRPD on their Facebook account.

Guidance counselors of Thomas Stone Elementary School and Mount Rainier Elementary School assisted in the selection of deserving kids to join the holiday program based on the following criteria – most improved student, perfect attendance student, academic/honor roll student, and low-income students.

After shopping, the kids and cops gathered at MRPD Community Room to wrap their shopping finds while enjoying the magical day with the Grinch and Santa!