The holiday spirit permeated the air as the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) upheld a time-honored initiative, "Shop with a Cop," for its 27th consecutive year. As reported by the YCSO's official news release, more than 30 YCSO personnel, clad in their uniforms, volunteered their off-duty time to assist over 100 children in selecting gifts for both themselves and their families.
A two-day event in Cottonwood and Prescott saw local law enforcement transform into Santa’s helpers, thanks to community donations. Police vehicles, sirens blaring, escorted children to designated retail locations, where they were met by Santa, who made a grand entrance via helicopter. Santa took photos with the kids in the parking lot, spreading holiday cheer, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.
During these events, each officer paired up with a child, not only helping to pick out gifts but also sharing a meal with them. The day's festivities included professional photos with Santa and an appearance by YCSO's mascot, Deputy Do Right—second only to Santa in demand for pictures—mingling among the delighted children, law enforcement officers, and community members.
YCSO extended its gratitude to the Cottonwood and Prescott Police Departments for their role in sponsoring and organizing the events, alongside a "huge thanks" to all the law enforcement members contributing their time to these events.
