I.U.P.A. Locals from all over the United States went even more above and beyond this holiday season than they do all of the other days of the year.
Salt Lake, Utah
Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake officers, including Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Assn., #77 members, raised money through donations from among themselves and the community to host their annual Shopping with the Shield event. Through the event, they were able to help 35 families and over 100 children over the holidays.
Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake officers, including Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Assn., #77 members, from the Kearns Precinct came across some young entrepreneurs selling hot cocoa and bought their entire day’s supply.
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport Police Department officers and I.U.P.A. members along with Shreveport Fire Department and Townsquare Media Shreveport collected community contributions of new toys and other gifts. They took them to the local hospital and gave them to needy children there. Along with them, they brought first responder vehicles and a snow maker for the kids to enjoy.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association, #34 delivered $1,000 in grocery gift cards and a cart full of toys to Virginia Beach Human Services. The Department of Human Services provides Virginia Beach citizens the opportunity to achieve the highest level of self-sufficiency, safety, and quality of life possible.
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota Police Department officers and I.U.P.A. members had a wonderful morning during their Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Old Salty Dog Island. Kids got to sit on a police bike and in a police boat, visit with elves and officers, and have delicious snacks with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Sarasota Police Department officers also participated in the 35th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on Sarasota Bay. They spread holiday cheer by participating in the parade and made sure everyone stayed safe by patrolling.
Harris County, Texas
Harris County Constable Precinct 4 officers and I.U.P.A. members had breakfast with Santa and his elves as well as the Atascocita Fire Department at the annual Breakfast with Santa event at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Atascocita. Officers, firemen, and local children had a morning of fun, good company, and a delicious meal!
Precinct Four constables and I.U.P.A. members attended the Crime Stoppers 27th Annual Crime Victims Holiday Memorial Remembrance Tree Lighting Ceremony. Parents of murdered children and surviving family members of homicides placed personalized ornaments and pictures of their loved ones on a tree, which remained on display throughout the holiday season.
Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma Police Department officers and I.U.P.A. members met at the People’s Center to provide gifts and gift cards to 12 families through their annual Shop with a Cop event. This was part of a broader effort in which they shopped for 83 children from a total of 28 families. Donations came from officers, the Citizens’ Academy, and Walmart. The majority of the gifts were delivered by officers this year. Tacoma’s Shop with a Cop event is now over 30 years running.
