LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood Police Department held its first ever Shop with a Cop back to school event at Alderwood Mall on Tuesday, September 3, where students had the opportunity to shop alongside community Police Officers for much needed supplies leading up into the start of the new school year.

The mall was closed for several hours first thing in the morning granting the opportunity for the approximately 20 students, all middle school aged, to pick out new clothes and accessories. At the end of the event every participating kid even had the chance to pick out a brand-new backpack, stuffed to the brim with supplies. These backpacks and supplies were provided by JCPenney.

The police agencies also partnered with the Foundation for Edmonds School District for students and families that may have needed extra help affording school supplies this year, each of them provided $200 to spend where they wished in one of Alderwood Mall’s many stores.

“Every student deserves to feel good and confident heading into the school year,” said Maren McKay, Public Affairs and Communications Manager for the Lynnwood Police Department.

The event was in partnership with the Mukilteo PD, Edmonds PD, Washington State Patrol, the Alderwood Mall, and Foundation for Edmonds School District and fully sponsored by JCPenney and Macy’s. JCPenney also provided the backpacks filled with supplies.

“We truly love to interact with our community here in Lynnwood and that’s why we hold events like this,” McKay told the Lynnwood Times. “It was great to have Mukilteo, Edmonds and WSP there today too.”

The idea for the event originated from a longstanding good relationship with Alderwood Mall, McKay added.

Though the back-to-school Shop with a Cop event was the first of its kind the Lynnwood PD have been partnering with the Mukilteo PD, Mountlake Terrace PD, Edmonds PD, and WSP for their annual holiday Shop with a Cop event in December, made possible through the Mukilteo Police Foundation, for many years.

“Our goal was to create lasting memories with youth in our great community. Over 30 kids from our Mukilteo School District were able to participate,” Mukilteo Police Department released in a statement after last year’s event. “We were able to share a meal, shop, and then wrap the gifts together. The night was amazing and magical for every kid, family and officer!”

Shop with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for law enforcement to make a positive contribution to the community by sharing Christmas with children and families.