From left: Sgt. Aaron Richwine, Lt. Jon Ogborn, Officer Mary Hogan, Officer Nicholas Swinehart, and Officer Shawn Needham, all from the Warwick Township Police Department, pose with Mrs. Claus and Santa during the 2023 Shop with a Cop event in Quakertown.
by June Portnoy
The holiday season is a time for joy and giving, but for some families, it can be a period of stress and hardship. In response, the Warwick Township Police Department, along with neighboring police departments, has come together to support the “Shop with a Cop” event—a national initiative designed to help children in challenging circumstances enjoy a brighter holiday season. This program brings warmth, compassion, and generosity to local families, connecting children with police officers for a memorable shopping experience.
“Shop with a Cop” is a widely recognized program that pairs police officers with elementary-aged children to promote positive relationships in a supportive environment. Children selected for the program face unique challenges, whether due to economic hardship, a parent’s job loss, military deployment, homelessness, or other personal struggles. With officers volunteering their time, this initiative provides a unique opportunity for kids to view police officers in a new light and understand them as community allies and supporters.
Detective Sergeant Aaron Richwine of the Warwick Township Police Department describes the program as one that makes an indelible impact. For the past four years, his department has participated in the Upper Bucks County “Shop with a Cop” event, organized by the Quakertown Police Department.
The event, held this year on the evening of December 12 at the Quakertown Walmart, is expected to bring holiday cheer to around 250 to 300 children. Each child will receive a gift card to purchase items for themselves and their families.
“We send about five or six officers to participate, including myself,” says Sgt. Richwine. “Each officer is paired with three to four children, so we have the opportunity to make multiple connections throughout the evening. The program offers these children a chance to shop, and often they surprise us—they don’t go straight to the toys. Many want to buy their mother a pillow or get a warm coat for a sibling. Their thoughtfulness is inspiring.”
The “Shop with a Cop” event in Warwick Township is made possible by the community’s generosity. Donations come from private sponsors, local businesses, and individuals eager to make a difference. Sgt. Richwine explains that funding begins early in the summer, with requests sent out via the Warwick Township newsletter by the Parks and Recreation Department. The response is overwhelming, with contributions pouring in to ensure that each child in need can participate in the program. Sponsorship options are available at different levels, making it easy for community members to give in ways that are meaningful to them—whether that’s sponsoring a single child for $300 or contributing more to help multiple children.
Of the $300 sponsorship, each child is allocated $200 to shop. In addition, $50 is spent on a backpack filled with toiletries, personal hygiene products, and a meal given to each participating child. A $50 gift card is given to each parent to purchase household necessities while his/her child is shopping. This allows families to benefit from the experience beyond the immediate shopping trip and ensures that everyone can celebrate the season.
Sgt. Richwine emphasizes that, while Warwick Township is a suburban area, poverty is a reality for some families, and therefore, the Township’s police department sponsors 25 children in this area to Shop with a Cop. “There are families here living in poor conditions or sharing homes with other families,” he shares. “Seeing kids shopping for essential items like shoes or even food is heartbreaking. It reminds us that no child should grow up in need. This program is a way to address that reality and provide a sense of holiday joy and normalcy for these kids.”
The Warwick Township Police Department works closely with local schools, such as Central Bucks School District, to identify children in need. Guidance counselors, probation officers, and even police officers who come across children in challenging situations help ensure the right kids are selected. Although this program is primarily based on financial need, children who have experienced a traumatic family loss or significant change are also included to provide them with an uplifting holiday experience.
For those who may wish to contribute, Sgt. Richwine encourages community members to get involved. Contributions go directly to the children, and each dollar helps make the holidays brighter for a family in need. “This community has always been generous, and thanks to them, we can make sure no child goes without a holiday gift.”
For questions or to sponsor a child, reach out to Sgt. Richwine at 215-343-6102, ext. 411, or email him at arichwine@warwickpolice.org.