North Penn Area Police Athletic League is seeking eligible families and donors for the first annual SHOP WITH A COP

The event will take place on December 14th at Target in Montgomeryville.

For the first time ever, six police departments and the North Penn YMCA are teaming up for a new event that will pair police officers with children to help them have a better holiday season.

The nonprofit North Penn Area Police Athletic League — comprised of the Hatfield, Lansdale, Montgomery Township, North Wales Borough, Towamencin and Upper Gwynedd police departments, as well as the YMCA — is hosting its first annual SHOP WITH A COP event on Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Target in Montgomeryville.

According to Lansdale Officer David Pelzer of the Lansdale Police Community Service Unit, SHOP WITH A COP is a program that gives children the opportunity to see police officers in a different light and promotes positive relationships.

The program is designed for North Penn elementary and middle school children ages four to 13.

Eligible families must have a child attending a school in the North Penn School District or residing in Hatfield Borough, Hatfield Township, Lansdale Borough, Montgomery Township, North Wales Borough, Towamencin Township or Upper Gwynedd Township.

Apply here via Google Forms.

According to North Penn PAL, there are children and families facing challenges such as unemployment, homelessness, military deployment and economic hardship.

There are limited spaces for eligible children; If there are more eligible children than places, a draw will be held.

All applications are confidential and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

SHOP WITH A COP is funded by community donations.

“We want to spread the word as we look for donations and participants in the North Penn Area,” Pelzer said.

North Penn PAL invites private sponsors, individuals and local businesses to donate to the cause. Volunteers are needed to help wrap gifts and register.

Each child shops with a police officer and can purchase gifts for themselves, their family and their friends to make the holidays even more wonderful.

Donation amounts are as follows, but any amount is accepted:

Eleven – one child – $300
Reindeer – $500
Jack Frost – $750
Snowman $1,000
The Grinch – $1,500
Santa Claus – $2,500

Donations can be made via Venmo @NWPD ShopwithaCop

Checks will be made payable to North Penn YMCA and mailed to: Dave Pelzer, Lansdale Police Dept., 1 Vine St., Suite 101, Lansdale PA 19446

Contact Officer Pelzer at 215-368-1801 or email [email protected] by asking.