UTAH COUNTYThe Beginning
Tom Hodgson and Blair Kirby establish the event, hosted by Kmart.
A Utah County Christmas Tradition
Making a Difference in a Child's Life.
Since 1990, Utah County Shop with a Cop has brought children and local law enforcement together to share the joy of Christmas and build positive community relationships.
Our Mission
Building Trust, One Child at a Time
Many of the children we serve face difficult circumstances, financial hardship, or experiences that have affected their trust in law enforcement. By pairing each child with an officer for a day of Christmas activities, we create an opportunity for genuine one-on-one connection, understanding, and positive experiences that can help build lasting trust.
The Experience
More Than a Shopping Trip
Children enjoy police-car lights and sirens, Christmas lights, breakfast with Santa, and an exciting shopping trip. Throughout the day, each child has the opportunity to get to know their officer as a person.
Why It Matters
A Different Side of Law Enforcement
For a child who may have seen law enforcement during a stressful or difficult moment, spending a joyful day with an officer can offer a different perspective. Our hope is that these personal connections leave children feeling more comfortable, respected, and supported in their community.
Caring for Our Community
In addition to the annual event, Shop with a Cop has expanded its outreach to Thanksgiving meals, support for older adults, and help for families whose children are too old to participate in the shopping event.
THANKSGIVING
Meals for Families
Supporting families facing hardship during the Thanksgiving season.
ELDER SUPPORT
Remembering Our Neighbors
Offering care and support to older community members who may feel forgotten.
FAMILY ASSISTANCE
Continued Support
Helping families whose children have aged out of the traditional event.
Our Commitment
Completely Volunteer-Run
The people who organize and support Utah County Shop with a Cop volunteer their time without compensation. Community generosity helps us serve approximately 150 children through the annual event.
Support on Venmo →Our Story
A Christmas tradition started by two officers and sustained by decades of volunteer service.
Where It Began
Two Officers and a Community Tradition
Tom Hodgson and Blair Kirby started Utah County Shop with a Cop in 1990, with Kmart providing a home for the event. Ruth Hardy began helping as a volunteer and continued supporting and organizing the program through the years.
What began with around 50 children has grown into an event serving approximately 150 children, supported by local officers, volunteers, and community partners.
Our History1990 THE EARLY YEARS AROUND THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY THE COVID INTERRUPTION TODAY
Carrying the Tradition Forward
Growing Through Volunteer Service
Ruth Hardy becomes a dedicated volunteer and longtime organizer as the program grows.
A New Retail Partner
The organization moves the event to another local retailer.
Finding Another Way to Help
Though the traditional event could not take place, officers delivered toys and gift cards to families.
Continuing to Serve
The organization serves approximately 150 children at its annual event and provides additional assistance to the community.
The Experience
A memorable Christmas celebration built around meaningful personal connections.
Creating Positive Connections
Children are referred through local schools and community resources. Many face economic disadvantages, difficult family circumstances, or past experiences that have shaped their perception of law enforcement.
By spending the day with one officer, children have an opportunity to build trust through conversation, shared activities, kindness, and personal attention.
01 • WELCOME
Meet an Officer
Children check in, receive name tags, and are paired with participating officers.
02 • POLICE CARS
Lights and Sirens
Children explore the lights and sirens of police vehicles.
03 • CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Holiday Traditions
Children and officers experience festive Christmas lights together.
04 • BREAKFAST
Breakfast with Santa
A generous local family donates a hearty breakfast for the celebration.
05 • SHOPPING
A Christmas Shopping Spree
Children choose gifts for themselves and their loved ones.
06 • WINTER CLOTHING
Coats and Gloves
The Knights of Columbus provide winter clothing for participating children.
07 • SANTA
Photos with Santa
Children talk with Santa and have photos taken to share with their families and officers.
08 • VOLUNTEERS
Gift Wrapping
Volunteers wrap the gifts the children selected during their shopping trip.
09 • HOME
Reuniting with Family
Children return to their parents after their celebration.
Personal Generosity
Small Moments, Lasting Memories
Some participating officers have used their own money to help children afford additional presents. And some children choose to spend nearly their entire allowance on gifts for their families. These moments reflect the generosity that makes this tradition special.
Photo Gallery
Memories shared with respect for the privacy of participating families.
Scenes from Shop with a Cop
Selected photographs from the original event archive. Final public images will receive an additional privacy review.
Contact Us
Reach Utah County Shop with a Cop through our public contact channels.
Donations
Support Our Mission
Community contributions help provide Christmas experiences and assistance to local families.
Visit @UTCSWAC on Venmo ↗