20 Pasadena Kids Treated To Back-to-School Items at Second Annual “Shop With A Cop” Event

Twenty young people from the Pasadena Boys & Girls Club teamed up with Pasadena Police officers for “Shop with a Cop” at Target on 777 E. Colorado Blvd. Friday to kick off the school year with brand-new back-to-school clothes and supplies.

“This is all about what makes Pasadena different,” said Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez.
The Pasadena Rotary Club partnered with Target and committed $2,000 for this program. Each budding student received $100 to spend, with the help of their uniformed shopping partner.

“It’s a great opportunity for the kids to get to know the police. We get to also provide something for the kids to take something tangible that they can shop for, working one on one with a police officer,” said Rotary Club of Pasadena President Shel Capeloto.

The kids, most from economically-challenged environments, were accompanied by a uniformed officer as they spread out through the store hunting for back-to-school clothes and supplies.

“We have these efforts and exceptional youth programs. We have partnerships with Rotary and other non-profits really to improve to quality of life here in Pasadena for people who live and work or visit this great city — and equally important for young people,” said Sanchez.

This program helps kids be confident and prepared as they return to school. It can also form long-lasting relationships between the children and police.

Target Corporation has been a longtime supporter of the “Shop with a Cop” initiative and other non-profit youth programs in Pasadena and nationwide. This is the Pasadena Police Department’s second year, being funded by the Pasadena Rotary Club for the “Shop with a Cop” program.

“They’re really the future of this city,” said Sanchez.