The Rotary Club of Burien/White Center is asking everyone:

Want to join in to make a difference?

The Rotary Club of Burien White Center is partnering with police departments from SeaTac and Burien – along with the Burien Fred Meyer – to launch our community’s first ‘Shop With A Cop’ event.

Many communities across the nation participate in this tradition, which provides a fun filled day for a number of children. It also creates positive relationships between our local law enforcement and young people in our cities.

Everyone involved – Rotarians, employees, police officers and families – find their hearts grow just a little over a few hours.

How does this work?
Young people ages 5-12, whose families may not have the resources many of us are blessed with, are identified by the SW Boys and Girls Club, YMCA SeaTac and Highline School District. They are then offered the opportunity to go shopping with one of our local police officers and Rotarian on a special day in December. They each get to pick out $100 worth of items they want for Christmas from the Fred Meyer in Burien. When they get to the checkout line, the bill is paid by the Rotary, using donations from our community.

“Because of COVID-19, we have to make a slight change to the plan in 2020, using a `make-a-wish’ approach,” local Rotarians said. “With this plan, the youth provide a list of items and the officers will shop ahead of time. Our volunteers will the wrap the presents. On Dec 19, 2020, the officers will give the gifts to the youth to open. We are reaching out to you for help in funding this project.”

On the day of the event, uniformed officers from SeaTac and Burien will volunteer their time to shop, one-on-one, with the children. Each child will have a budget of $75-$100 (depending on fundraising) to shop for themselves and/or their family. Fred Meyer has graciously provided the location and support for this event.

Clearly COVID-19 issues are a major concern and local Rotarians have developed a backup plan if they are in a Phase that does not allow congregating.

“We have determined that it is possible to manage at least 50 young people by staggering the shopping times,” they said. “Our sincere desire is to give the shoppers the opportunity to engage personally with law enforcement.”

You can donate on the Rotary website (https://www.bwc-rotary.org) or on the special GoFundMe account set up for this event here:

https://gf.me/u/y284u8

You can also donate by sending a check to:

BWC Rotary — Shop With A Cop
PO Box 48267
Burien, WA 98166

“We are hoping you too will,be a partner in this effort to create a better relationship with law enforcement in our community while providing a special joy to our children and youth.”

“And any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.”