MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is kicking off fundraising efforts for its annual Shop with a Cop program, an event that pairs local officers with children and families in need to help make the holidays brighter.

Funded almost entirely through community donations, Shop with a Cop provides selected families with an evening that includes dinner with law enforcement officers followed by a shopping trip where children and their families can purchase necessities, Christmas gifts and other items they may not otherwise be able to afford.

“We put together an event in which needy children, as well as their family, are paired up with an officer that takes them shopping, and they can pick out gifts for themselves, for their family, and take care of some needs that they may not otherwise be able to do,” said Capt. Mike Williams of the Moses Lake Police Department.

Williams called the event “the best day of the year” for the department.

“The officers that participate see the smiles; they see the positive effects that this is having on the children and their families, and everybody comes away in a good mood for weeks,” he said.

The program works closely with the department's school resource officers, chaplains, schools and community partners to identify families who may benefit from the program. The department does not accept public nominations.

According to Olivia Martinez, administrative assistant for the department, last year's event served a record 35 children from 10 families.

“That was the most we've ever done,” Martinez said. “The hope would be to do that many, but obviously every year is dependent on how much funding comes in and the nominations.”

To make that happen, the department is hoping to raise roughly $12,000 this year. The program has already received a $4,000 grant from a Walmart grant, putting organizers about one-third of the way toward their goal.

“It's absolutely vital,” Williams said of community support. “The program is 100% funded through donations, and so without donations, it doesn't exist, and we can't make a difference.”

One major fundraiser for the program is Tip a Cop, scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at Rock Top Burgers & Brew. During the event, officers and department staff take on the role of restaurant servers, with tips benefiting Shop with a Cop.

“Tip a Cop is where we take over Rock Top, and our officers and staff become the servers, and all the tips donated go toward the program,” Martinez said.

She credited Rock Top Burgers & Brew and its staff with helping make the fundraiser a success each year.

“Rock Top is just awesome,” Martinez said. “All their servers donate their tips as well. It's just a really fun event that everybody comes together to raise the funds.”

The impact of Shop with a Cop often extends well beyond a single night.

Martinez recalled one family that participated following the 2022 murder of Yanira Cedillos, a Moses Lake mother of three whose death drew widespread attention in the community.

“That year we were able to take her children that she left behind to Shop with a Cop,” Martinez said. “That was one of the ones that we always remember.”

For officers, the program provides an opportunity to interact with community members outside of emergency calls and criminal investigations.

“It allows them to interact with the community in a different way than the way that we interact on a daily basis,” Williams said. “You kind of get to see the other side of what we see every day.”

As fundraising gets underway, Williams encouraged residents and businesses to contribute if they are able.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to get together and really bring out the Christmas spirit with people, especially kids, that are truly in need,” he said. “It's a great cause, and I urge everybody to support it.”

Donations can be made through the department's online Shop with a Cop fundraiser. Community members can also support the program by attending Tip a Cop at Rock Top Burgers & Brew on Dec. 3.

    Moses Lake Police Department Chief Dave Sands prepares drinks at a previous Tip a Cop event. The department will be holding the fundraising event with Rock Top Burgers and Brew Dec. 3. All tips raised will go to the Shop with a Cop fund.
  

    Moses Lake Police Department officers assist a family during a previous Shop with a Cop event. Last year, MLPD was able to help 35 children from 10 families, the biggest shopping spree the department has done to date.