Every year before Christmas, the McHenry County Police Charities (MCPC) brings local law enforcement  agencies together in McHenry County to volunteer their time to take 200 youths shopping for the Shop with a Cop Program. Police officers, deputies, and State Troopers from every law enforcement agency in McHenry County take part in this amazing event.

Participants are picked up at their residence by a police officer from their jurisdiction and taken to Wal-Mart to shop.  Currently, each participant can purchase a coat, boots, hat and gloves if needed. They can also spend up to $150.00 on gifts for themselves and family members.

After shopping, the officer and child go to breakfast. Breakfast is hosted by D’Andrea’s Banquets in Crystal Lake. Volunteers help serve breakfast to the children and officers. Volunteers also help wrap the presents the children picked out while they eat breakfast. Children have the opportunity to meet with Santa after they eat breakfast.  After breakfast, children are returned home with their presents.

Criteria to Participate 

Organizers work with providers in the County to identify children in McHenry County that would benefit most from this program. Each year, the MCPC Board works diligently to identify new children to participate in the program. 

• Less fortunate and would not have a Christmas otherwise
• Could benefit from the positive one-on-one police officer interaction
• Children participating in the shopping program MUST be between 5-15 years of age

If you are aware of a child that may qualify to attend this event please click here to visit the McHenry County Police Charities (MCPC) website. Registration deadlines are typically mid to late September, so please do not delay in contacting the MCPC. For more information, call the MCPC at (815) 245-2239.