Deputies Take Local Kids on Holiday Shopping Sprees

Hundreds of well-deserving children in San Bernardino County will receive shopping sprees through a longtime collaboration between the Sheriff’s Employee’s Benefits Association (SEBA) and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department through our Shop With A Cop events. More than a dozen events are held throughout the county during the month of December, providing nearly $100,000 in much-deserved holiday cheer for children in the communities we serve.

“Santa Claus should always come to those who are most vulnerable in our communities to grant wishes and spread cheer,” said Sheriff Shannon Dicus. “Protecting our communities and inspiring hope is what deputy sheriffs do. And through this program we can assist Santa Claus.”

SEBA members, and other sheriff’s department volunteers, partner up with deserving children to offer them a shopping spree during which they can buy items like clothes, toys and electronics. The children are given $200 to spend on themselves to help them get into the holiday spirit despite some of the struggles their families may have encountered. The deputies help the kids pick their items and keep track of their budget as they make their way down the aisles.

“Our members really enjoy participating in this program not only because of the gifts and toys, but because of the time we get to spend shopping with each of these kids,” said Sgt. Grant Ward, SEBA President. “Our members get to bond with the kids – outside of any law enforcement capacity – and simply have fun with them, getting to know them, their interests and helping them pick out some cool stuff.”

SEBA has provided the Shop With A Cop program for more than two decades. The association represents deputies, probation corrections officers and supervisors, DA investigators, Coroner Investigators, Fraud Investigators, Specialized Fire Services and other public safety professionals.