Shop with a Cop Brings Holiday Joy to St. Cloud Families

(KNSI) – Dozens of area law enforcement officers and volunteers gathered at the St. Cloud Walmart Thursday night for the annual Shop with a Cop event, helping brighten the holidays for area children.

Agencies taking part included St. Cloud Police, Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, Waite Park Police, and the Minnesota State Patrol. St. Cloud Police Sgt. Greg Kleinfelter, who oversees the district’s school resource officers, told KNSI News the program continues to make a big impact. “This year we have 51 shoppers tonight, but those 51 shoppers will shop for over 160 kids. At the end of the night, there’ll be 160-plus kids affected.”

Students are recommended for the program by District 742 staff, school counselors, and school resource officers who work closely with the kids every day. Many families selected are facing hardship during the holidays.

Kleinfelter, who has worked several Shop with a Cop events, says the joy on the children’s faces keeps him coming back. “My favorite part about doing this is the look on the kids’ face. The smiles and all the laughter, that for me is for sure the best.”

He shared one of his most memorable moments from previous years, a young boy who bought a bike for his sister. “When he came through the door with the bike, she saw him and was so excited. She said, ‘Oh, you got a new bike?’ He said, ‘No, sister, this is for you.’ She was crying, he was crying, I was crying.”

Kleinfelter also praised the collaboration with the St. Cloud COP House and the department’s other community engagement programs, which help maintain relationships with young people long after the event.

He emphasized that the night wouldn’t be possible without community partners. Walmart, Jules Bistro, and Bernick’s were among the major contributors.

Walmart’s Amber Stolaas says the store looks forward to hosting the event each year. “Getting to see the kids and how they just light up, their smiles, how much fun they have, the excitement for Christmas, [and] just the spirits.”

Stolaas says families often walk out with a cart full of wrapped presents and memories that last well beyond the holidays.

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