HUNTINGTON STATION, NY – Macy’s generously sponsored 40 children to “Shop With A Cop” on December 1st at Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station. Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct COPE Officers Ilyssa Doughty and Jaime Wustenhoff organize the annual event with shopping, Santa Claus, an SCPD Officer DJ and dinner donated by Chick Fil A and Mario’s Pizzeria. Participating “Cops” from Suffolk County Police Department, Police Auxiliary, Suffolk County Sheriff, New York State Police and 2nd Precinct Police Explorers were paired with a child to spend a donated $75 Macy’s gift card anywhere within the store.
As expected, the Toys R Us department was the most popular choice with shoppers excitedly rushing through the aisles, handing their favorite toys to their assigned Officer to carry. The Cops and children worked together to whittle down their piles, many swapping toys out for others, to the final winners that fit within the $75 budget.
Santa Claus was greeted with excited squeals, running hugs and lots of high fives. Santa chatted with all of the children and posed for photos.
When shopping was finished, the children and their guests returned to the party room for dinner, activities and festive music. THANK YOU to Macy’s, our amazing 2nd Precinct Officers, law enforcement partners and community businesses for your generosity and love that made this holiday season special for our community’s children.
Photography by Diane Schaber and June Margolin.
