Catholic Charities Hawai‘i (CCH), in partnership with the Kona Walmart store and local first responders, helped bring holiday cheer to Hawai‘i Island keiki during this year’s annual Shop With A Cop event held in Kailua-Kona.
Approximately 60 keiki and teens, along with their families, participated in the event at the Kona Walmart store. Each child was paired with members of the Hawai‘i Police Department, State Department of Land and Natural Resources – DOCARE, and the Hawai‘i Air National Guard, and received a $100 gift card to shop for holiday gifts.
Beyond the shopping experience, the event offered meaningful moments of connection and celebration. Each child had the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, receive a Keiki ID card, and enjoy a Happy Meal provided by McDonald’s following the shopping trip. These added touches helped create a joyful and memorable holiday experience for participating families.
Community volunteers from Kids Matter – Friends of Children’s Justice Center of West Hawai‘i generously gift-wrapped the items selected by the children. McDonald’s also provided breakfast and coffee for officers and volunteers, helping fuel the day’s efforts.
The annual Shop With A Cop event fosters positive relationships between youth and first responders while providing much-needed joy during the holiday season. Catholic Charities Hawai‘i coordinates similar children-focused holiday events each year on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, and O‘ahu, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to uplifting keiki and strengthening communities statewide.
