EPHRATA – As the holiday season approaches so does the annual shop with the cop events various police departments and sheriff’s offices put on yearly.  

Departments that are hosting the event this year include the Ephrata Police Department,  Moses Lake Police Department, Othello Police Department, Quincy Police Department and Soap Lake Police Department.

EPD 

The Ephrata Police Department is holding its shop with a cop event Dec. 19 where they will be taking three families shopping for Christmas. According to EPD Chief Eric Koch, the department received less grant funding than some of the previous years because the process became more tedious and the application was turned in later, however, EPD is accepting donations until Nov. 27 for the event.  

“Law enforcement usually seems like we're the bearers of bad news and really, it's a chance for us to give back and have a positive interaction with families trying to make it brighter for families and folks in Ephrata,” Koch said.  

EPD has been participating in the annual shop with the cop since 2015, according to Koch. He said he has participated in a handful of them, and he enjoys doing so. 

“I think my favorite part is some of the looks on the kids' faces when they get a gift they normally wouldn't be able to get on Christmas,” Koch said.  

MLPD 

The Moses Lake Police Department is holding its shop with the cop in mid-December. The department is working out the details on how many children and families will be a part of the event. MLSD Captain Jeff Sursely said the department is planning on helping around six to eight families. 

OPD  

The Othello Police Department will participate in its shop with a cop Dec. 21. The department usually takes around 10 families shopping. For those interested in donating funds to this year's event the department recommends visiting givebutter.com/2G5FWi. or stopping by the main hall with cash or check donations.  

QPD 

The Quincy Police Department is holding a Cops and Kids Christmas, where they are taking people shopping at the Target in Wenatchee. The department will be shopping Dec. 14. QPD Detective Jazzlyn Silva said the department's goal is to help ten families but with the donations so far, Silva thinks it will be closer to 15 families. The station is also holding a raffle to earn more funds for the event with tickets on sale for a variety of items. The tricks can be purchased at the Quincy Police Department. Silva also said they are taking donations of new items for families including clothing, toys or essentials which can be dropped off at the station.  

SLPD 

The Soap Lake Police Department will be holding its annual shop with a cop event on Dec. 19 at the Ephrata Walmart. SLPD paired with the Ephrata Police Department to host the event this year. The department will be helping between two or three families depending on the funds. The department says those who would like to donate to the cause can bring donations to the city hall or police department.  

Mattawa Police Department, Royal City Police Department and Warden Police Department usually have shop with a cop events; however, they did not respond to requests for comment prior to press time. Information on these and similar events will be provided as the information becomes available.