Published December 30. 2025 10:56AM
For 19 years, Colonial Regional Police Department has conducted its Shop with a Cop program, which partners police officers with deserving children on a holiday shopping spree. Seven kids had breakfast at Chick-fil-A, shopped at Walmart and enjoyed a visit with Santa Claus during lunch at Red Robin Dec. 6, 2025.
Each child works off a list with gift ideas for family members. They can shop for themselves as well, and they are required to select two gifts donate to Toys for Tots. After checkout, they present their donations to members of the Marine Corps League.
Funding is provided through private and business donations and each child receives an equal share.
“It’s an annual event that our officers love doing just as much as the children do,” Chief of Police James DePalma said.
Arlo heads off to shop with Detective Matt Antonucci, whose wife and helper Ashley checks the shopping list Dec. 6, 2025, during Colonial Regional Police Department’s Shop with a Cop.
Antonucci and his wife help Arlo shop for fuzzy socks.
Colonial Regional Chief of Police James DePalma helps process one of the orders as Walmart cashier Victoria records the order.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBBNoel is making shopping progress with patrolman Sterling Kemmerer and wife Maegan.
Lt. Wendling and his daughter Eliza help Nouri select a shirt for her dad.
Walmart Manager Onica James wraps one of the many gifts purchased by the children.
Members of the Marine Corps League pose next to the Toys for Tots banner.
Noel gives one of two toys he purchased for Toys for Tots to members of the Marine Corps League.
