The Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota Housing Authority, Target, and Sarasota County Area Transit are partnering to provide 150 underprivileged children with a unique opportunity to literally 'Shop with a Cop' for holiday gifts in Sarasota.

This year, Sarasota Housing Authority will pair 150 local children that they are serving in the community with local law enforcement to shop for holiday gifts at a local Target store. The event will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 6 a.m. until 8 a.m. at Target, 5350 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.

**Journalists are welcome and invited to attend**

"This special event showcases SHA’s commitment to providing positive, uplifting experiences for our youth while promoting mutual respect with our Sarasota Police partners," said Sarasota Housing Authority CEO William Russell. "Many of our kids who have participated in past events reminisce about what a positive experience it was to shop with and get to know SPD officers."

“Shop with a Cop is one of our favorite community events that we look forward to every year,” said Chief Rex Troche, Sarasota Police Department. “It is moments like this when our officers and civilian employees can build strong relationships with the children in our community. We are grateful to be in a position where we can help make the holidays more enjoyable and less stressful for Sarasota families.”

SHA raises over $15,000 for this event through its 501c3 affiliate Sarasota Housing Funding Corporation. This year’s event was made possible through donations by Communities Unified, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Target, First Horizon Foundation, and other private donors. Charlie Hugill and Aubrey Robbins, two seniors who founded their charity “Communities Unified” as sophomores said, “We are super excited to be a part of this event for the third year in a row. We are so glad our organization is able to donate its time and resources to such a wonderful cause and provide for Shop With a Cop. We are happy to be a part of a program that builds relationships between the community and law enforcement, and we look forward to seeing the children each holiday season.” Donations provide Target gift cards Officers will use at checkout for each of the 100 children.

Those wishing to donate can do so through the SHA’s 501(c)3 affiliate, Sarasota Housing Funding Corporation (SHFC). Checks can be made payable to Sarasota Housing Funding Corporation with ‘Shop with a Cop’ in the memo line. Checks or cash donations can be dropped off at the Sarasota Housing Authority, 269 South Osprey Avenue, Sarasota.

For more information, contact the Sarasota Housing Authority at 941-361-6210.

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