A cart, a cop, and $100: Eighth annual Shop with a Cop brings joy to children in need

More than 50 children filled the halls of Walmart San Leandro on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 16, to participate in the BART Police Department’s beloved Shop with a Cop event.

The annual event, which was also attended by members of the Oakland Police Department, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and the Piedmont Police Department, sees children in need paired with a police employee, who shepherds them through the massive store with $100 to spend.

The rules: Each child must pick at least one item of clothing and one school supply. The rest of the money they can do with as they please (within reason). Parents stay behind in the garden center, sipping hot cocoa and coffee and chatting with the officers.

“You get to meet new cops and new people,” said seventh grader Ja’leyah as she awaited her turn to shop. “I’m excited.”

Ja’leyah and Jay’lah shop with Crisis Intervention Specialist Caryl Blount at BART PD’s annual Shop with a Cop on Dec. 15, 2022.

Ja’leyah and her sister, Jay’lah, have attended the event for so many years now, they’ve lost count. In previous years, Ja’leyah and Jay’lah said they focused on the toys – Barbies, board games, and items of that ilk. This year, the sisters had an altruistic focus: In addition to some items for themselves, they selected a toy for their baby brother and pajamas for their sister.

“It’s fun!” Jay’lah said.

Shop with a Cop is supported by funds raised by BART PD via fundraisers, as well as personal donations from members of BART PD and donations from community stakeholders.

“We at BART PD are very fortunate to be in a position to give back to the community,” said Deputy Chief Ja’Son Scott, who organized the event. “It’s good to bring joy to others. Where would we be without our community?”

Jayden shops with CSO Jonathan Moreland for BART PD’s annual Shop with a Cop on Dec. 15, 2022.

Seven-year-old Jayden, who shopped with Community Service Officer Jonathan Moreland, had some trouble deciding which toys to pick. He walked up and down the toy aisles contemplating, as Moreland pulled items off the shelves and presented them to him.  

Within a few minutes with CSO Moreland, Jayden had warmed up – and knew exactly what he wanted: Fidgetz, all the Fidgetz.  

Then there was fifth grader Miya, accompanied by Deputy Chief Kevin Franklin. Her cart was filled with multicolor pens, notebooks, and clay.

Ganiah and Tatianna pick out clothes at BART PD’s annual Shop with a Cop on Dec. 15, 2022.

“Miya’s a writer,” explained Franklin.

BART PD Chief of Police Edgardo Alvarez said the event is a way to put BART PD’s community-oriented policing philosophy into action.

“Shop with a Cop is a joyful way for children in our community to connect with our department,” he said. “Our officers look forward to this event each year.”