Local kids will ‘Shop with a Cop’ this holiday season

ALPENA, Mich. – The Department of Health and Human Services handpicked a group of lucky boys and girls to shop with a cop this holiday season. The Alpena Police Department is giving back to help 12 students fulfill wishes on their Christmas list.

The department partnered with local law enforcement agencies, Walmart and local credit union partners to provide kids with gift cards for shopping and a free breakfast.

Alpena High School Liaison Officer Tim Marquardt says the program has been going strong since 2003 — the year it all began.

“In those 15 years, those events have really struck a cord with the community and our officers who don’t mind getting on their uniforms and volunteering their time,” says the officer. “They don’t get paid to do this, and for that couple hours have a chance to bond with those kids, and build a rapport with those kids, and help these kids have a little bit brighter Christmas.”