The Goodyear Police Department will celebrate the holidays with 12 children during the department’s 20th annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday, Dec. 12.

A pre-selected group of children ages 6 to 13, attending school within the Goodyear city limits, were nominated to participate by their school faculty/staff. Nominations were based on financial need, high academic standards and character, according to a department release.

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Students will begin their day by meeting their assigned officer, enjoying breakfast and visiting with Santa. After breakfast, they will be transported via police vehicle caravan parade to Target, 1515 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, where they will shop with their cop.

“This has been an especially difficult year for so many, but we didn’t want to let the pandemic steal Christmas from these special children. Shop with a Cop is always a heart-warming event and one that the members of the police department look forward to each year,” Goodyear Police Chief Santiago “Jimmy” Rodriquez said.

“We strive to make this experience extra special for these children, many of whom may otherwise go without during the holidays, This year will be a little smaller and look a little different due to the current pandemic,” he said. “We will be practicing strict health safety guidelines including the wearing of masks and physical distancing.”

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Chief Rodriguez extended the department’s thanks to this year’s Shop with a Cop event sponsors, including PebbleCreek Home Tour Group, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Target, Black Rock Coffee and Hampton Inn.

“We also thank all the police department members who give of their time to make this a very special occasion for these kids,” he said.