Christmas comes early for 30 Riverhead kids at ‘Shop with a Cop’ event Monday evening

The Riverhead Target store was abuzz with excitement Monday evening, as 30 children arrived there to “Shop with a Cop” for the holidays.

The event, sponsored by the Riverhead Police Benevolent Association and the Riverhead Police Superior Officers Association, allows kids to go on a shopping spree to purchase gifts for themselves or others, courtesy of the police unions.

Each kid had $100 to spend on whatever they wanted, accompanied by police officers as they roamed the aisles, picking out games, toys, stuffed animals and clothes. It was hard to tell who was having more fun: kids or cops.

After checking out at the cashier, the boys and girls and their family members had pizza and refreshments with the officers, courtesy of Target, in an employee breakroom.

Kids selected to participate in the “Shop with a Cop” event were suggested by Riverhead school officials in collaboration with the Riverhead Police School Resource Officers Eric Cohen and Kaley Castantine. Cohen and Castantine greeted the children and their family members and checked them in for the event. More than 30 police officers were turned out to greet the families and help with shopping, including Chief Ed Frost, Capt. Danielle  Willsey Lt. Jonathan Deveraux and even two K9 officers and their four-legged partners.

This is the second year for “Shop with a Cop” in Riverhead. The event has grown popular around the country.  It gives cops a chance to interact with the children and their families, which police say is a high priority.

Riverhead police officers have been helping local families enjoy the holidays for decades, adopting families and providing them with toys, games, clothing and other gifts to put under their trees, plus a full holiday dinner. Those families are also suggested by school officials. 

Riverhead Central School District Superintendent Bob Hagan, who joined the district at the start of the current school year, was on hand last night to greet families and get to know members of the police force. 

Riverhead Supervisor-elect Jerry Halpin was also in attendance, chatting with kids, parents and police officers.

Assembly Member Jodi Giglio stopped in to say hello and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. 

Riverhead PBA President Charles Mauceri thanked Target store management for hosting the event and providing hot chocolate, pizza and soft drinks for everyone.