Area businesses, non-profits, and the local police continue holiday tradition

EUREKA, Calif. (KIEM)-Area businesses, non-profits and the eureka police department continue their holiday tradition – but with a twist.

COVID-19 did not put a damper on this year’s event – Uplift Eureka and Betty Chinn Center identified12 local kids with a wish list.

The shop-with-a-cop program rewards kids ages five to 18 years-of-age an opportunity to buy clothes and other essentials while shopping with an officer.

Police officers did the shopping themselves and then wrapped and delivered the gifts to local children.

Families were also treated to a variety of gifts – in drive-through fashion.

Program Manager Meagan Agnihotri with the Betty Chinn Day Center says, both events were a success.

“There response from people has been really, really heartwarming, actually,” she said. “This is always my favorite thing to do but this year seems a little bit extra special because we’re providing resources that people are just not able to get.”

The annual event was afforded through numerous local businesses, community members and EPD’s recycling program headed by Christina Laramore.

This year’s donors included: Ron Brown and Carriage Carwash, Happy Donuts / Express Asian Food, McDonald’s, Truth Mobile LLC., James Senestrano Memorial, Call family, Jeri Bartley and Friends Succulent Sales.