On December 7, 2019, 50 Vernon Hills youths participated in the 4th annual Cops & Kids event. (In many communities this program is known as Shop With A Cop.) Cops & Kids is a joint effort between VHPD and the Lincolnshire Police Department.

It was a great day for everyone! The youths were treated to lunch and got to hang out with Santa. Afterwards, they were bused to the Vernon Hills Walmart where each went on a $100.00 shopping spree. (Mostly courtesy of a grant from the Walmart Foundation.)

As you can imagine, taking 50 children shopping with an officer takes a lot of police officers and others to assist. Successfully pulling of such an event would not be possible without the cooperation of many businesses, volunteers and, of course, police officers. In addition to police officers from VHPD and LPD,  the Lake County Sheriff's Office was also represented. The dozens of volunteers consisted of other VHPD and Village employees, family members, friends and teachers & staff from Hawthorn School District #73.

Many thanks to everyone who assisted. Of course, a big thanks to the Walmart Foundation. However, our deep gratitude also goes to the staff at the Vernon Hills Walmart, Chik-fil-A and Hitz Pizza for providing a delicious lunch, Starbucks (on Rt. 60) for providing hot chocolate), Lakeside Transportation for providing the bus to Walmart and of course, the Big Guy himself - Santa Claus

It was an incredible day and one that the youths will remember for a very long time.

We hope you enjoy these pictures from Cops & Kids 2019: