On the morning of Dec. 11, the Hoffman Estates Police Benevolent Fund (HEPBF) is sponsoring its 11th annual "Shop with a Cop" Christmas event at the Target and the Buffalo Wild Wings locations in Hoffman Estates. The event is tailored after the many Shop with a Cop programs in which a member of the HEPBF will be paired with one of 35 needy children from the community. The HEPBF is a not-for-profit organization made up of all the sworn officers from the Police Department, and is committed to giving back to disadvantaged families in Hoffman Estates.

The children who benefit from the Shop with a Cop event have been identified as in need of Christmas gifts, and include children from the domestic violence shelter, WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger), as well as children from direct referrals of School District 54 social workers in Hoffman Estates schools. Many of the children come from the Community Resource Center, which is supported by officers from the Police Department and located at the Salem Hill/Interlude Apartments in Hoffman Estates. The cops will help the children shop for gifts for themselves and other family members, with each child being allowed to spend about $125 at the local Target.

After the shopping has been completed, the cops and kids will be bused to the Buffalo Wild Wings in Hoffman Estates where the festivities will continue. The children will be treated to a visit from Santa. Buffalo Wild Wings of Hoffman Estates will be treating the children and officers to a huge and delicious spread of lunch food after the shopping portion of the event. Santa will provide each child with a gift and a stocking full of goodies, thanks to the support of the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses.

This annual event is made possible through the support of charitable businesses and residents, and year-round fundraisers. Please send any donations to support this worthwhile event to: HEPBF, P.O. Box 95611, Hoffman Estates IL 60169-0611.