The Cicero Police Department lived up to the first half of the motto, “To serve and protect” during its annual “Shop with a Cop” program on Dec. 10. Officers teamed up with families needing an extra hand in providing a happy Christmas for the children. The kids helped their Santa cops with the list by shopping at Cicero’s Target located at 2901 S. Cicero.
Several officers joined the dozens of families who have struggled to make ends meet this year. According to Cicero Superintendent Jerry Chlada, Jr., police roamed the ailses as the kids – filled with merriment – selected their soon-to-be-favorite toys, games, and other desired items for the holiday.
Chlada said donations from Target, Mobil Oil on Cicero Avenue, and Terrace Paper, among others, helped make the event a success.
“The goal is to make sure as many kids in Cicero can have a Merry Christmas,” he said. “Because of Town President Larry Dominick’s mission, we created this program so the police can contribute to that effort. We are thrilled to see such bright smiles when we come out to do this.”
Target has been host to the program for several years, something Dominick and Chlada both said they were grateful for. Dominick praised the police department’s charitable efforts to help bring more cheer during the season.