Three hundred police cars with sirens blaring, lights flashing and 5- to 12-year-old kids manning the radios take to the road Saturday, Dec. 1.
The procession is part of a unique annual holiday event called “Shop With a Cop,” a program that emphasizes positive interaction between underprivileged children and law enforcement officers. The event features food, fun and entertainment at SeaWorld and a holiday shopping spree at the Target store on Sports Arena Boulevard.
The children, who have already been selected by schools, churches and various agencies throughout San Diego County, are bused to SeaWorld in the morning before the facility opens and matched up with their “own cop.” The teams then enjoy a breakfast prepared and served by SeaWorld Culinary Operations in the park’s Nautilus Pavilion.
“We have entertainment during breakfast “” jugglers, carolers,” said Kelly Terry, senior public relations representative for SeaWorld. “And this year we are having animal surprises.”
“After breakfast, everyone goes to Dolphin Stadium for a private Dolphin Discovery Show,” Terry added.
“It’s great for the kids to see police officers in this light. They are really excited “¦ it’s a great event; a great cooperative effort. Everyone at SeaWorld is proud to be a part of it.”
The children will then pile into police cars for the next adventure of the day “” the procession from SeaWorld along Sports Arena Boulevard to the Target store for some serious shopping.
Terry called the kids and the event awesome.
She said that as the impressive procession leaves the SeaWorld parking lot there are a lot of teary-eyed folks waving goodbye.
“It’s really incredible,” Terry said. “The lights, the sirens and the kids on the radios saying, ‘Thank you, SeaWorld.'”
The boys and girls, who may otherwise never experience a day at SeaWorld, are referred to STAR/PAL (Sports, Training, Academics and Recreational/Police Athletic League), a nonprofit organization with a dedicated “Shop With a Cop” Committee.
Christine Reed, director of corporate and public relations for STAR/PAL, a chapter of the San Diego Police Athletic League, said the organization provides free youth programs and positive interaction throughout the year with committed volunteers that include law enforcement officers and firefighters.
“The mission of STAR/PAL is to inspire and aid the youth of greater San Diego to make positive life choices through active participation in educational, athletic and recreational activities in collaboration with community partners,” said Reed.
These children are also likely not to otherwise receive any holiday gifts, and that’s where Target enters the picture.
The 300-car parade transports children, cops and chaperons to Target, where the Sports Arena Boulevard store donates $100 for each child to spend on whatever they please.