'Shop with a Cop' Event is All About Positive Interaction & Holiday Cheer

For 15 years, the Bolingbrook Police Department has staged its "Shop with a Cop" event to bring Christmas joy to children in the community and their families.

Lt. Mike Rompa has been involved from the start. And he reports this year's event—Dec. 17 event at Meijer, 755 E. Boughton Road—was the best yet, both in size and scope. He said 100 children were selected to attend the event and Meijer donated $50 gift cards to each participant.

"This was the largest turnout of volunteers we have ever had (more than 50 Bolingbrook police employees attended)," Rompa said. "Every child really enjoyed this year's event and the majority were more concerned with buying gifts for others, in lieu of selecting someting for themselves."

Rompa said Meijer has been a major supporter of the Bolingbrook Police Department's effort since it opened its first store in Illinois—the 225 N. Weber Road location in Bolingbrook.

He said Meijer store manager Leena Whetstone and assistant Pam Willis played instrumental roles this year in making the day an overwhelming success to participants. He said the folks at Meijer also provided free gift wrapping and food for the kids.

"It is truly an enlightening experience, which brings the Bolingbrook community together," Rompa said. "The kids are able to meet and share a valuable experience with officers and realize they are real people, not just a figure in the uniform. The positive interaction is incredible."