"Shop With A Cop: Holiday Cheer for Eagle County Kids"

On Tuesday, December 10th, the valley was filled with holiday cheer as nearly 130 kids embarked on a shopping spree with the assistance of local first responders. This annual event, started by retired Vail Police code enforcement officer Moses Gonzales in 2001, has brought smiles to both the kids and the cops.

Officer's Perspective

Officer Rio Burgess, the Avon Police Department's School Resource Officer, shared his experience. "Last year was my first time participating, and this year, being in charge for the first time was truly special. The best part is witnessing the excitement on the kids' faces as they shop, meet Santa, and most importantly, select gifts for their families."

Popular items this year included Nerf guns, Nintendo Switch games, and Squishmallows. Soccer and basketballs, Legos, makeup, and earbuds also made it onto the wish lists. Seeing the thought and effort these kids put into choosing gifts for their loved ones is a wonderful feeling."

Burgess added, "Some kids focus on shopping for their family and friends but need a reminder to think about themselves. Each child approaches the shopping experience uniquely."

Law Enforcement's Role

Law enforcement officers from Eagle County play a crucial role in helping the kids pick out presents. "Each school has its own criteria for selecting students," Burgess explained. "Students range from kindergarten to fifth grade and may be chosen at a parent's request or because school staff believe they would benefit from a positive one-on-one interaction with a first responder. It could also be due to a student earning a fun experience."

After shopping, the kids are taken to various locations to wrap presents and enjoy a delicious meal. The Eagle County Sheriff's Office and Eagle Police Department went to 4 Eagle Ranch near Wolcott, the Vail Police Department went to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Vail, and the Avon Police Department went to the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon.

"This year, we had a lot of help with gift wrapping, and the Eagle River Fire Protection District's Engine 7 even brought Santa to the Westin," Burgess said.

The Impact and Gratitude

Shop With A Cop not only provides gifts for the kids but also creates lasting memories. "It's always fun to have kids come up and share the fun memories they have from years ago, telling us about the difference we made in their lives. We also hear from parents about how much fun the kids had," said Lisa Vasquez with the Eagle County Sheriff's Office.

Flynn emphasized the importance of community support. "I'd like to highlight the incredible generosity of our community. The nameless people who donate their time, money, and resources, along with businesses like Holy Cross Energy, Walmart, and Vail Valley Cares, truly make this event special."

Contact one of the local law enforcement agencies to contribute and make next year's Shop With A Cop even more memorable for the kids of Eagle County.