20 lucky kids get help from Heights police to buy gifts

15 year old, Alexandria Williams is picking out toys during the first Shop with a Cop event.
Jada Holcomb | Herald

Killeen Daily Herald
By Jada Holcomb | Herald
December 9, 2023

HARKER HEIGHTS — The Harker Heights Police Department conducted its first “Shop with a Cop” event Saturday, helping 20 lucky kids with a $100 shopping spree for each of them.

Near the checkout section of Target, a dozen police officers gathered, along with Heights Mayor Michael Blomquist, a group of kids and parents, and other city officials.

The first group of kids was excited to get to spend $1,000 on Saturday at the retail store in Market Heights.

The event started at 10 a.m., with the first group, consisting of 10 kids, getting the opportunity to spend $100 worth of gift cards for each family,

“Hopefully it’s the start of a yearly thing.“ said Peter Quichocho, community service sergeant for the Harker Heights Police Department.

Before the event, Ouichocho mentioned to the Herald that Heights Target Manager Derek Sakate played a huge part in the funding for the event. He donated $1.000 from a local service club he is involved with along with an additional $1,000 grant from Target for the event. This allowed 20 kids to participate instead of 10.

Each group got paired with a cop, and began shopping around the store for toys, clothing, electronics and more.

All participants had to be back at the check-out sections by 10:30 a.m. with their gifts.

The second group came in at 10:30 a.m. and had to finish their spree by 11 a.m.

“I am honoured to be here to follow along with our Harker Heights police officers and to help these young folks here find a great toy or item for Christmas,” Blomquist said.