Event helped children in need purchase holiday gifts
Saturday, December 12, 8-10 am

The Columbia College Police Department and Target hosted a holiday shopping event to help 27 children from the 21st Century Clubhouse Afterschool Program purchase holiday gifts for their families. Each child received a $100 gift card.

Target’s “Shop With a Cop” events foster strong relationships between youth and officers by pairing local law enforcement officers with youth in need to shop for holiday gifts for the children’s families.

“The ‘Shop With a Cop’ event works on so many levels. Our officers will enjoy it as much as the children and we’re thrilled to participate with Target in this initiative,” said Columbia College Police Chief Howard Cook.

The 21st Century Clubhouse is an afterschool program that serves first through fourth graders from low-income families in the Eau Claire community. The program is housed in College Place United Methodist Church and is coordinated by Columbia College Education Division with students from a variety of majors volunteering their time.

“The program is an example of the power of partnership. Church and college; faculty, staff and students; community and schools—combined with Federal grant support and the generosity of businesses like Target—all working together to change lives,” says program coordinator Connie Johnson. “This will be a holiday to remember for these children. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to interact with police officers in a positive way and in the holiday spirit,” she adds.

Designed to provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, the Clubhouse helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects and offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs. In addition, future teachers receive firsthand classroom experience and serve their local community at the same time.

Officers from Columbia College Police and Target team members are available to provide brief remarks as well as details about the Shop With a Cop program.

Shop With a Cop events foster strong relationships between youth and officers by pairing local law enforcement officers with youth in need to shop for holiday gifts for the children’s’ families.