Shop with a Cop in Kona Helps 50 Westside Keiki

Christmas came early this year for 50 west Hawai‘i keiki during this year’s Shop With a Cop event held Saturday morning, December 14, 2024, in Kona, as Hawai‘i Police Department teamed up with Catholic Charities, Kona Walmart, as well as federal and state law enforcement agencies to provide a fun shopping experience for keiki.

Shop With a Cop originated on island in Kona more than 30 years, with the Hawaiʻi Police Department and Catholic Charities partnering with Kmart to provide at-risk and underprivileged youth an opportunity to buy gifts at Christmas. When the Kona Kmart closed, the event continued uninterrupted at Target until 2023, when Walmart started hosting the annual event in Kona.

“This is about bridging the gap with kids in the community,” said Erin Basque of Catholic Charities, as she addressed the group of over 30 law enforcement officers from the Hawai‘i Police Department, Hawai‘i State Sheriff’s Department, Department of Land and Natural Resources/DOCARE, along with National Park Service Rangers and the Hawai‘i Air National Guard.

Keiki were pre-selected by Catholic Charities and given $100 gift card to spend then paired with law enforcement officers. Some were shopping for themselves, while others were buying gifts for family members. After the shopping was complete, keiki could have their newly purchased gifts wrapped by volunteers and were treated to a McDonald’s Happy Meal breakfast. They also got to visit with Santa.

“It’s really something special when you see these kids interact with the officers as they pick out that special gift for themselves or their family members,” said Barbara Kossow of Kids Matter–Friends of the Justice Center of West Hawai‘i, a group that helps fund the event. “This never gets old.”

Franz Weber, also with Kids Matter, said the event shows kids that, “the police are here to help you. It’s mind-blowing how the officers are so personally engaged. They see the need and want to help,” added Weber.