Joliet Police Department Spreads Holiday Cheer With Santa’s Cops

On Saturday, December 1, the Joliet Police Department hosted their 30^th annual Santa’s Cops event.

This annual event pairs officers and civilian police department employees with less fortunate children. The children are given Wal-Mart gift cards to purchase gifts and clothes to add more cheer to their holiday season. The gift cards are purchased with money donated by the community and local businesses. In addition to donating their time, many officers also purchase items with their personal money.

This year, more than 80 children participated and were paired with 75 officers, local politicians, and civilian employees. The children are identified through officers, social service agencies, schools, churches, and youth organizations.

Through Santa’s Cops, the volunteers were able to develop strong, positive relationships with the children while also bringing smiles to their faces for the holiday season.

Images via the Joliet City Manager’s Office