An Officer and a Student
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An Officer & A Student
An officer takes the small hand of an elementary student and walks alongside the student down aisles of toys, electronics, bicycles, treats, and clothes at Target. Today is a very special day for both the officer and the student—it is “Shop with a Cop” day.
About 176 students from three different schools are accompanied by active and retired Santa Clara County police officers, firefighters, and FBI officers on a shopping spree. Early in the school year, students at these schools attend an assembly where the Shop with a Cop program is introduced. The program’s core mission is to encourage students to love reading.
To participate, students sign an agreement to spend at least 20 minutes a day reading, maintain a good attendance record, and demonstrate positive citizenship qualities. The program also provides students with grade-level-appropriate, high-interest books to support their literacy journey.
Assemblies are held throughout the program to keep students motivated. After a 10-week period, students’ reading growth is measured. At the final assembly, those who show improvement are awarded a medal and receive an extra $25 to spend during the shopping extravaganza!
On the special Shop with a Cop day, students begin their morning with a breakfast where they meet the officer who will accompany them during their Target shopping adventure. At the store, officers assist students by checking clothing sizes, selecting age-appropriate toys, reaching high shelves, determining if an item needs batteries, and ensuring they stay within their spending limit. If a student exceeds the budget, officers often open their own checkbooks to cover the difference.
Contrary to what one might expect, most students don’t shop solely for themselves. Many choose gifts for their siblings, parents, friends, and grandparents. Their joy in playing Santa Claus is mirrored by the officers, who also experience the pure enjoyment of the day.
The driving force behind the program in Santa Clara County is retired Officer Darrel Cortez and his wife, Alicia Cortez, a retired elementary school teacher. Darrel’s passion and determination bring the program to life, while Alicia’s remarkable organizational skills ensure its success. Though the event lasts only one day, it takes tremendous work throughout the year to make Shop with a Cop possible. Kudos to Darrel and Alicia!
Special thanks also go to Target on Coleman Avenue in San Jose, which has partnered with the program for its entire 17-year existence. Target provides hot cocoa, treats, books for the students, and extra discounts to support the cause.
The day is made even more festive by the participation of beloved characters and entertainers, including the 49ers mascot, Peanuts characters, Sharkie (the San Jose Sharks mascot), and performers from Great America.
As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” For the Shop with a Cop program, that village extends across the county. It involves not only school districts and law enforcement but also City Hall, corporations, foundations, hotels, food industries, and most importantly, a dedicated team of volunteers who bring everything together.
Shop with a Cop is a shining example of how a community can come together to inspire and uplift its youngest members.