Glacier Ridge Elementary Hosts Annual 'Shop with a Cop' Event

Glacier Ridge Elementary School is excited to announce its collaboration once again with the McHenry County Police Charities and McHenry County Sheriff’s Department for the annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ event, held Sunday, December 3, 2023. 

For over 25 years, this community event brings together police officers and community volunteers with a shared goal of ensuring economically disadvantaged children experience the best possible holiday season. At 6:00 a.m., children identified by District 47 social workers, and other schools in the area, shop for Christmas gifts at Walmart with law enforcement officers. They have a budget, and can also get coats, hats, gloves, and boots. After shopping, officers take the kids for breakfast paid for by the Crystal Lake Lions Club and to meet Santa at Glacier Ridge. While the children eat, Glacier Ridge teachers wrap the gifts.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting connections between McHenry County children and law enforcement,” said Dr. Anastasia Gruper, Principal of Glacier Ridge Elementary School. “We are grateful to the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department and McHenry County Police Charities for their partnership and dedication to making a difference in the lives of our students and families, and we are honored to host and participate.” Dr. Gruper has been the secretary on the McHenry County Police Charities Board for the past 10 years.