New Lenox PD's Shop With A Cop Brightens Christmas For Kids

NEW LENOX, IL — Lights and sirens were blazing Saturday, as New Lenox police led a special operation for area children.

The department hosted its annual Shop with a Cop event, welcoming children to join police on a Walmart shopping spree, weeks ahead of Christmas.

Nearly 50 children were provided gift cards to shop for themselves or family members, said New Lenox Police Chief Louis Alessandrini. All participating met at the police department, where they boarded buses to head to Walmart. After shopping, they headed back to the station to wrap the presents and eat pizza.

"Our officers get just as much fun out of this event as the kids do!" said Alessandrini. "A great group of kids and an awesome group of volunteers."

Alessandrini said the event went perfectly.

"The event ran very smooth," he said. "It’s always rewarding when we can put a smile on someone’s face, especially a child’s. I overheard one 12-year-old girl say that she hadn’t smiled that much since third grade!

Alessandrini thanked School Resource Officer Kristine Kioltyka for her part planning and organizing the event. Also thanked were MorningStar Mission, New Lenox Township Food Pantry, Walmart New Lenox, Dunkin', and Raffy's Candy Store.

"The Morning Star staff, Walmart staff and all of our volunteers made this event a huge success," Alessandrini said.